Politics & Government

East Windsor Board of Selectmen Set Monthly Travel Allowance For First Selectman

Selectmen say the allowance is following a travel reimbursement policy created in 1998.

 

East Windsor selectmen on Tuesday created a $150 monthly travel allowance for the first selectman.

The board voted 2-1 to approve the monthly allowance and to review it if the cost of gas goes over $5 per gallon. Selectman Richard Pippin voted against the allowance because he said he thinks the amount is too high.

The selectmen said they were following a 1998 policy which calls for all town officials and employees to be reimbursed for travel expenses by per mile rate established by the Internal Revenue Service. The policy makes an exception for the first selectman, who is paid a monthly travel allowance that is determined by the board of selectmen during the annual budget process.

Deputy First Selectman Alan Baker said the board’s actions were prompted by the last fall on how First Selectwoman Denise Menard had been pumping gas into her own car from the town gas pump.

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Menard was not at Tuesday’s meeting.

Baker said the previous board began the discussions and the current board continued it during budget preparations.

“That was cleaning up the aftermath of last year’s controversy,” Baker said. “That I think closes the book.”

Former Board of Finance Chairman John Mannette initiated a when he filed a complaint with the police department that he’d been informed Menard was using town gas.

In a September 20 letter to Menard, Police Chief Edward DeMarco Jr. said “This matter was in fact fully investigated to include numerous interviews, statements, and all relevant follow up inquiries that were required to completely look into the allegation were conducted. After this exhaustive process, the matter was found to be unfounded and unsubstantiated. As there is no probable cause to show that any criminal conduct occurred and that the allegations are unsubstantiated, I closed this matter as ‘unsubstantiated.’”

The allowance was also approved retroactively to November because Menard has been using her personal car but hasn’t been seeking reimbursement, Baker said.

Selectman James Richards said he reviewed Menard’s mileage records for 2011 and noticed here average monthly cost was about $88. He said having the allowance was O.K. with him.

“I’d rather have the first selectman do something other than keep track of mileage,” Richards said.

Selectwoman Dale Nelson said Menard doesn’t want the IRS mileage rate, which would be more expensive for the town.


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