February 25, 1983
COMPTROLLER'S MEMORANDUM NO. 17 (1982-83)
SUBJECT: TRAVEL COSTS / INTRA-AGENCY SEMINARS
AND RETREATS
Recent publicity concerning approval
by this office for out-of-state travel and per diem expenses incurred
by staff members of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative
Services has generated a number of inquiries from other agencies
contemplating similar workshops or seminars. Such payments are
not to be considered as any change in the policy of this office
which has always been to question severely the need for any such
travel or per diem for intra-agency educational or policy meetings.
Justification in detail will still be required and absent a clear
and compelling state purpose will be disallowed.
Your attention is directed to the
provisions of Section 112.061(3)(b), Florida Statutes, and the
Rules of this office concerning such costs. In addition, you
are reminded that Section 28 of the 1982-83 Appropriations Act
(Chapter 82-215, Laws of Florida) mandates in-state travel costs
to be reduced by 15 percent and out-of-state travel by 30 percent.
This office remains of the opinion
that adequate facilities which provide for uninterrupted communication
and a congenial atmosphere exist within relatively short distances
from any state agency headquarters. Consequently only the most
pressing reasons will justify the required state purpose for such
costs.
|
