Dear Reader:
The following document was created from the MTAS website (www.mtas.tennessee.edu). This website is maintained daily by MTAS staff and seeks to represent the most current information regarding issues relative to Tennessee municipal government.
We hope this information will be useful to you; reference to it will assist you with many of the questions that will arise in your tenure with municipal government. However, the Tennessee Code Annotated and other relevant laws or regulations should always be consulted before any action is taken based upon the contents of this document.
Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or comments regarding this information or any other MTAS website material.
Sincerely,
The University of Tennessee
Municipal Technical Advisory Service
1610 University Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37921-6741
865-974-0411 phone
865-974-0423 fax
www.mtas.tennessee.edu
Town of New Market
Policy on the Use of Fuel Cards
Introduction
Fuel expenses are a significant part of the Town’s budget. This policy is established in order to provide direction on fuel expenses incurred by Town employees on Town business.
Fuel cards provide a convenient means of paying for business fuel without having to use personal resources. Fuel cards are issued directly to employees and assigned to a particular vehicle or employee. Town employees should assume that expenses incurred for fuel are subject to review and scrutiny by Town officials and the Town’s auditor.
This policy applies to all employees and elected officials, both full and part time, as well as others who may utilize vehicles on official business.
Usage Policy
1. Fuel cards may be used for official Town business only. Fuel cards may not be used for any other purpose, including personal fuel.
2. Fuel cards will be made available to certain employees who are required to use a vehicle for Town business or to travel on official Town business.
3. Each employee who is issued a fuel card is required to sign a copy of this policy, indicating they have read, understand, and will abide by this policy.
4. The employee is responsible to keep the card safe and to prevent the card from being lost or stolen. If a fuel card is lost or stolen the employee shall immediately report the incident to the City Recorder. Once the card has been reported lost or stolen the employee is protected from unauthorized charges.
5. Fuel cards are issued primarily for the purpose of purchasing fuel. On certain occasions the card may be used for vehicle maintenance or for emergency purchases related to the vehicle. Prior to using the card for such a purpose the employee must receive authorization from the City Recorder.
6. All fuel purchases shall be made using the fuel card, except as provided below.
7. Receipts shall be kept for all fuel purchases, and turned in to the City Recorder.
8. If for some reason the employee cannot use their official fuel card, they should use personal means to purchase fuel. The employee must document the date, time, and mileage of the vehicle in this case. A receipt for the purchase shall be turned in to the City Recorder for reimbursement. The reason for non-use of the fuel card shall be provided to the City Recorder.
9. Upon termination from employment with the Town of New Market, the employee must return the card to the City Recorder prior to being issued their final check.
Employees name: ________________________________ Date: _________________
I have read, understand, and will abide by this Policy: _________________________________________
Employee Signature
Links:
[1] https://www.mtas.tennessee.edu/kb-authors/hardy-pat
[2] https://www.mtas.tennessee.edu/system/files/knowledgebase/original/New%20Market%20fuel%20card%20policy.pdf
DISCLAIMER: The letters and publications written by the MTAS consultants were written based upon the law at the time and/or a specific sets of facts. The laws referenced in the letters and publications may have changed and/or the technical advice provided may not be applicable to your city or circumstances. Always consult with your city attorney or an MTAS consultant before taking any action based on information contained in this website.
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