By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorWright City has adopted a fuel purchasing policy in response to a recent audit.City officials noted that they had procedures in place for employees to purchase fuel for city-related business, but it had never been drafted and approved as a formal policy.At last Thursday’s board of aldermen meeting, the policy was unanimously adopted.“The auditors brought it to our attention,” said Karen Girondo, the city’s treasurer/economic development director. “(Employees) have been doing this, but now it’s in writing. We have been following this, but everybody didn’t have (fuel) logs in their vehicles.”When the 2013 audit report was presented in June, a recommendation centered on fuel purchases for city vehicles. Auditors noted that the city did not have a policy in place and that fuel logs were not attached or completed when monthly statements were turned in.In addition, the odometer readings on fuel logs were not being reviewed and compared with the amount of fuel that was purchased.Under the adopted policy, each city department is required to maintain a separate log of fuel purchases and receipts for each vehicle or equipment. A copy of the log, which must include the vehicle, odometer reading and employee’s signature or initials, must be submitted each month to the city-designated employee to review the purchase. In the case for Wright City, Girondo fills that role.Anytime a receipt is not attached to the fuel log, a city employee will contact the fueling station to see if a copy can be provided.A city department head will also periodically spot check a sample of the log entries and odometer readings to ensure fuel purchases are being used only for city-related services.In addition, any fuel purchases made with personal funds for city use must be consistent with the travel expense reimbursement policy. The original receipt and other supporting documentation with a department head’s signature must be provided before the reimbursement is approved.Wright City adopts fuel policy in response to audit