Elk Grove Council Member Scherman Sought Money From City, Public Library Authority

Replay of Scherman’s double payment for sanitation meetings? City finance manager admits error

Elk Grove city council member Sophia Scherman has sought payment from the Elk Grove City for mileage reimbursement for attendance at the Sacramento Public Library Authority Joint Powers Authority (JPA).

According to expense documents obtained from public records, Scherman was paid for mileage by the city to attend Sacramento County Sanitation District meetings. Scherman also received a $200 Per Diem from the sanitation district fort same meetings.

According to information from the JPA, city council members receive $100 per meeting attended with the monthly maximum of $200.

An examination of Scherman’s hand-written expense reports that encompasses a six-month period shows that she received payment for at least four meetings. EGN is in the process of determining whether Scherman accepted the $100 per meeting stipend from the JPA.

Earlier this week it was determined that Scherman accepted payment from both the city and the sanitation district for the same activity. Scherman has declined request to comment on the double payments.

When Scherman was asked about this at the last city council meeting she stated that “she had nothing to hide.”

Craig promises to be more ‘observant’ of city rules, will remind council members to be timely

Elk Grove city finance manager Rebecca Craig, CPA, admitted that the city violated it’s own rules by allowing Scherman to seek reimbursement for a six month period. Elk Grove resolution 2006-295, section VIII (b), states expenses should be submitted “within a reasonable period of time after incurring the expense and, in any event, no later than 30 days thereafter.”

In an e-mail, Craig said “In light of reading the policy again, it does appear that the expense claim was filed late. We will be more observant of this parameter and remind Council members to file reimbursement claims more timely.” Craig also said that Scherman’s hand-written expense reports were “adequate.”

Ironically, the resolution 2006-295, was signed by Scherman when she was serving as mayor.