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Regular Agenda Item 3. J.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	08/16/2021
Submitted For:	James Menlove	Submitted By:	James Menlove, County Manager
Department:	County Manager

Information

Request/Subject

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hotels in the state of Arizona no longer offer both federal and state government lodging rates. For non-specific locations in Arizona, hotels now only offer the federal lodging rate of $96 rather than the state lodging rate of $94. This has disrupted the normal course of business for Gila County's elected officials and staff.

Background Information

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hotels in the state of Arizona no longer offer both federal and state government lodging rates. For non-specific locations in Arizona, hotels now only offer the federal lodging rate of $96 (see https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates/per-diem-rates-lookup/?action=perdiems_report&state=AZ&fiscal_year=2021&zip=85501&city=), rather than the state lodging rate of $94 (see https://gao.az.gov/sites/default/files/5095%20Reimbursement%20Rates%20%20190102%20a.pdf). This has disrupted the normal course of business for Gila County's elected officials and staff.

Evaluation

For non-specific travel locations in the state of Arizona, Gila County should adopt an allowable lodging rate of $96 for the period July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022 (FY 2021-22). All other aspects of Gila County policy number BOS-FIN-112 - TRAVEL, will remain in effect.

This change would be in effect for any travel that took place beginning July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

Conclusion

Recommendation

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to approve a one-time variance from following the State of Arizona General Accounting Office maximum allowable in-state lodging rate (referenced in Section 10G of Policy No. BOS-FIN-112-Travel) to allow a lodging rate of $96 where the allowable lodging rate exceeds the $94 rate for non-specific locations in the state of Arizona for the period July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022 (FY 2021-22). (James Menlove)

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