by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
A proposed bill increasing travel allowances for City and independent agency officials has sparked a heated debate on the City Council.
The contention has nothing to do with doubling food or per diem expenses. The question is whether Duval County taxpayers should foot the bill for a business class seat upgrade.
Under the current ordinance code, individuals traveling outside of the Western Hemisphere fly economy class. Upgrade expenses come out of their own pockets.
“I have issues with this,” said Council member Sharon Copeland. “I think coach is sufficient and I don’t see why an upgrade should come as an expense to the City or the taxpayers. We’re talking about several thousand dollar difference here.”
Copeland and Council member Daniel Davis are leading the opposition to the bill.
Both said they would not support the bill in its current form.
“This is the arrangement we have and it’s part of the sacrifice we make when we take this job,” said Copeland. “If you want a better seat you should pay for it yourself.”
Added Davis, “It’s not right and I wouldn’t vote for it. What kind of message does that send?
“Obviously we need to update meal allowances and things like that, but I don’t support first-class tickets if the taxpayers are going to have to pay for them.”
Davis and Copeland said they would be willing to offer an amendment, removing the air travel upgrade provision.
Council president Lad Daniels sponsored the bill and he defended its merit.
“I understand how this kind of thing will take a lot of flack from the public,” he said, “but that’s probably because they don’t understand the nature of these visits.”
Daniels said City reps promoting “economic development” typically make the trips.
“We’re not talking about little flights inside of the continental U.S. or Mexico City,” he said. “ These are very long and uncomfortable flights to places like South Africa or Japan, where you ride at the back of the bus. Then you land and are expected to get to work and be productive right away. They are in no way luxury trips.”
Daniels understood the opposition, but said some open dialogue and clarification may change that.
“A lot of discussion is going to take place on this Council,” said Daniels, “and I’m confident the true intentions of this bill will come to light.
“I think you’ll start to see more support for it then.”