Purpose

The objective of our examination was to determine if the Department properly designated the official station of a Department employee in calendar years 2013 and 2014.

Background

According to the State’s travel rules and regulations, travel between an employee’s residence and official station is considered commuting and is not reimbursable. The official station of every employee is designated by the head of the agency and is typically the employee’s usual work location. If an employee works at more than one location, the employee’s official station will normally be the employee’s main place of business (i.e., the place where the employee works more than any other work location). Such designation is to be in the best interest of the State and not for the convenience of an employee or to maximize travel expense reimbursement.

Key Findings

We found the Department’s designation of the official station for the employee in calendar years 2013 and 2014 was not made in accordance with the State’s travel rules and regulations and not in the best interest of the State. Instead of designating the employee’s main place of business, where the employee spent 61 percent and 72 percent of his time in each year, the Department designated an alternate work location, where the employee spent 14 percent and 17 percent of his time, respectively. As a result of the improper designation, the Department paid $16,089.56 and $22,033.71 in travel expenses during calendar years 2013 and 2014 for the employee to commute between his residence and the alternate work location.

Key Recommendations

• Designate the official station for the employee identified in the report in the best interest of the State in accordance with the State’s travel rules and regulations.
• Ensure the Department’s travel policies and practices are consistent with the State’s travel rules and regulations.