County increases mileage rate

With current gas prices, four cents can make a difference.

If you work for the county and there's no government-owned vehicle available for you to drive to an assignment, then you have to drive your own vehicle.

When that happens, you will now be reimbursed for 48.5 cents per mile now instead of the previous rate of 44.5 cents, or 4 cents more.

Fiscal court approved the rate hike at its regular Tuesday morning meeting.

Judge-Executive Rob Rothenburger told the court that the county's mileage reimbursement rate for employees who end up having to drive their own vehicles is typically based on the rate established by the recommendation made by the General Services Administration (GSA).

Before voting to accept the new rate, Magistrate Michael Riggs confirmed that county employees are required to use a county pool vehicle if one were available before being allowed to use their own vehicles and be reimbursed for mileage.

In other action, the court:

Accepted a bid for $3,551 from James Riddle Jr. for a surplus ambulance.

Accepted a bid from Muster Emergency Vehicle for $109,685 for a 2008 ambulance.

Approved the release of $5,000 in fire grant funds for a new brush unit tank and pump for the Shelby County Fire Department.

Approved the release of $10,000 in fire grant funds for a training materials and equipment for the Bagdad Fire Department.