Reno City Council Allegedly Violating Travel Expense Violations

A search of the city council’s discretionary spending by This is Reno has revealed a series of potential violations of Reno’s city travel policies by council members and city leaders. Documents obtained through a public records request indicate discrepancies in travel requests and expense reports, prompting concerns about adherence to regulations and accountability.

Expense reports under scrutiny are ones primarily approved by City Manager Doug Thornley. His role in approving expenses is interesting as he is hired and evaluated by council members whose travel expenses he approves, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Some violations include council members and staff purchasing first-class or upgraded airline tickets, charging for extra hotel nights without evidence of conducting official city business, collecting per-diem reimbursements when meals came as part of conference registrations, and submitting travel requests long after trips ended.

Clarification from city officials has been slow in coming, with city council member Devon Reese and Mayor Hillary Schieve implying blame on city staff for errors on travel requests and expense reports. However, council members and the mayor are required to sign off on these documents before submission to Thornley for approval.

One policy violation concerns reimbursements for meals and lodging at U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) rates. While GSA rates are guidelines for travel expenses, Thornley often signs off on requests after travel, allowing excessive expenses beyond the GSA rate.

Furthermore, council members and some city staff have been reimbursed for daily meals, or “per diem,” despite meals provided as part of conference registrations. This practice, considered double-dipping, violates the city’s travel reimbursement policy.

Despite apparent violations, Thornley’s signature appears on most expense reports, while Schieve has also signed off on documents that seem to breach policy. Requests for explanations from city officials have met with refusals to respond to questions or provide additional information.