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The trip, and a crisis of conscience

June 7th, 2013 at 03:10 pm

I am back!

The gas only cost $40 (however; I started with a half tank and am now under 1/4, so that isn't total usage).

I am having a crisis of conscience, though. On the way back from the workshop, I gave a ride to a fellow board member. When she was getting out of the car, she offered to pay half for the gas. I told her no, it was paid for. She smiled and said, "I hope your employer paid for it," and I nodded, even though it was our board who paid. Here is where it gets murky. She is on the board, but a committee member, not one of the directors. My request for reimbursement was only to the directors, and I wasn't planning on making it public to the whole board.

She and another committee member attended the event on their own volition and paid their own way. I feel somewhat guilty, even though my request for the reimbursement was approved. I feel underhanded. I should have just said, "The board covered my gas," but I was afraid she would think it was unfair.

Now, the reason I went was to represent the board and to participate as a roundtable leader. They were just attendees. I think I was entitled to ask for that little bit of financial support, but I'm not sure they would see it the same way.

I'm almost inclined to just put the money back into the account. But then I think, those two transactions (credit card charge and then a deposit) would look fishy, like I was using the board's account as a slush fund. Even if I feel guilty, it might be better just to let the matter lie.

Oh me, oh my.

My only other spending on the trip was $4 for a hamburger on the way down. (Paid by me, of course! Smile)

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

5 Responses to “The trip, and a crisis of conscience”

  1. snafu Says:
    June 7th, 2013 at 03:37 pm 1370619471
    1370619471

    Since you were attending the Workshop as a participant and Board representative, you are entitled to be reimbursed for expenses incurred. It was kind of you to drive another member back. You do not need to announce the Board paid the Workshop fee or the cost of gas. Most people charge the mileage rate which is .58 per mile in this area when submitting reimbursement.

  2. CB in the City Says:
    June 7th, 2013 at 03:50 pm 1370620214
    1370620214

    Thanks. I know you are right. I think I am more worried about the appearance of impropriety than the real thing. Smile

  3. PatientSaver Says:
    June 7th, 2013 at 07:03 pm 1370631830
    1370631830

    I agree with Snafu. You requested the reimbursement and it was approved, so you're under no obligation to share your personal finances with anyone else, really. It's not really her business. You're only feeling guilty because you have knowledge that she paid her own way.

    I wouldn't worry about it, really. Smile

  4. starfishy Says:
    June 7th, 2013 at 07:13 pm 1370632424
    1370632424

    i definitely wouldn't "reverse the charges". as PS said, you requested reimbursement and were approved, so you're all set! glad you are home safely. Smile

  5. mimipaula1 Says:
    June 8th, 2013 at 07:56 pm 1370721403
    1370721403

    CB, it is quite refreshing to see someone who wants to "avoid even the appearance of evil". Thank you for understanding that integrity, especially in the workplace, is still important.

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