Interim UCHRA director releases statement on reimbursements

In response to a report by a Nashville TV station about compensation received by county executives and city mayors who attend meetings of the Upper Cumberland Human Resources Agency, the interim director has released the following statement:

To Whom It May Concern:

Article V of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency By-Laws

Compensation

Members of the Governing Board shall not receive any salary or compensation for their services. Members may receive a per diem reimbursement in accordance with the Tennessee State Travel policy for state employees. Per Diem will be based upon actual day or days for travel expenses incurred while engaging in UCHRA Agency Business, within budget limitations.

The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency appreciates the time board members invest in coming to Cookeville to conduct the business of the agency. It is our belief that they are entitled to a per diem reimbursement for those expenses. It has been the tradition of the agency to reimburse based upon mileage to and from the Cookeville office. While this is calculated based upon mileage, according to the definition of per diem, it would include items other than fuel reimbursement.

Respectfully,
Mark Farley
Interim Executive Director
Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency