Scherman Sunk - Decides Not To Seek Reinbursement For Mileage

At the last moment, Elk Grove City Council member Sophia Scherman decided not to seek reimbursement for mileage expenses incurred during the month of July. Scherman's decision was made during last night's Elk Grove City Council meeting.

Scherman, a three term council member had submitted her expense request for July past the 30 day requirement. Previously, Sherman sought and was paid by city officials for mileage expenses incurred during the first six months of the year. Scherman submitted those expense reports in illegible hand-written form in August, well past the six month requirement.

Scherman sought payment through consent calender

Because Scherman had sought payment in violation of city rules, the item was placed on the consent calender for approval by the entire council.

Prior to the council meeting, several Elk Grove citizens had expressed displeasure with Scherman's violation of a resolution that she ironically signed into law during her term as mayor in 2006.

Scherman has also been criticized for seeking mileage reimbursement for attendance at various county boards she serves on behalf of the city as she also receives Per Diem's from those same boards. However city attorney Susan Cochran said the double reimbursement Scherman had received were acceptable under her interpretation of state law.

City official's did acknowledge Scherman had violated the city's requirement of submitting expenses within 30 days. It is not known if Scherman has submitted mileage expenses for August.