MCC tightens rules on credit card use
Agency changes guidelines after Herald reports on spending
Amid mounting pressure to cap spending, the Mass Cultural Council board has unanimously adopted strict guidelines for state-issued credit cards and out-of-state travel, with one board member saying they owe it to the taxpayers.
“We always need to remember where the money is coming from,” said council board member Troy Siebels. “We need to govern responsibly and spend taxpayer money in a responsible way.”
After a series of Herald articles on the agency’s questionable spending practices, the board voted unanimously Tuesday to abide by Baker administration rules on credit card use and out-of-state travel “to the extent appropriate and applicable.”
They did not, however, touch on similar directives from the Executive Office for Administration and Finance on leasing cars.
The council’s $174,400-a-year executive director, Anita Walker, has a Toyota Prius leased for her by taxpayers for $404.63 a month. She’s enjoyed that perk since 2011 along with free parking — at $340 a month — around the corner from her St. James Avenue offices in downtown, as the Herald has reported.
The council has refused to answer any questions from the Herald about the car, credit card expenditures, hotel stays, travel, gas for the Prius or more.
Siebels said board members were “instructed” to direct all questions to council communications staff. But last night he said he felt compelled to address spending.
“We all have something we can do better,” he said. “I take my responsibility very seriously.”
The state’s credit card use policy states, in part: “At all times, Cardholders must be aware that their use of state-issued credit cards results in the spending of taxpayer dollars . ... The pertransaction limit should not exceed $1,000. The monthly credit limit should not exceed $5,000,” the rules state, and the credit card should be used “only as a payment of last resort.”
As the Herald has reported, the council used credit cards for $17,500 in hotel bills over a recent 12-month period and on $3,700 in food in that same time frame.
As for out-of-state travel, guidelines instituted by Gov. Charlie Baker state: “travel arrangements should be made far enough in advance of departure date to take advantage of discounted fares, conference lodging rates, etc.
“The Commonwealth will pay or reimburse for only coach or economy fares,” the rules add. “The traveler should select the least expensive lodging option available.” Alcohol is also not an approved expense.
Restaurant bills on the cultural council’s P-card show stops at the Coors Silver Bullet Bar in Colorado, the Go Bistro Asian Fusion Bar & Grill at the San Francisco airport and Vino Volo at Lambert Airport in St. Louis.
The dining-out details come after the Herald first reported the Cultural Council spent a total of $3,700 in meals off the upscale Davio’s “To Go” menu on the taxpayers’ dime.