CARLSBAD — A new travel policy increasing the funds allotted for City Council members was approved 4-1 during Tuesday’s meeting.
The item, which amended Carlsbad City Council Policy No. 2, will increase the amount each council member receives per year to travel to conferences, trainings and professional development workshops. The council brought the item forward, although it was not disclosed which council member requested the item on the agenda.
The policy allows each council member and the mayor up to $5,000 per year for travel. There had been no formal policy in place dedicating a specific number; although staff presented a total budget of $10,000 per year for each council member, which was amended in a proposal by Councilwoman Carolyn Luna.
Should a council member want to exceed the $5,000 limit, it must be approved by a simple majority from the five-person council. The funds come from the council’s contingency budget, which is funded by the General Fund, City Manager Scott Chadwick said.
The council’s contingency budget is $500,000 per year and any unspent funds are rolled into the reserve account, he said.
