Receipts for Overnight Hotels and Meals in Downtown Chicago

Should Oak Brook Park District staff (or Commissioners) stay overnight in hotels in downtown Chicago? Chicago is 20 miles away from Oak Brook. Many meals were eaten while staying in downtown Chicago, including those exceeding the maximum reimbursable rate per the Oak Brook Park District policy. Receipts below.

Please note: below are just a small sampling of receipts and charges incurred for the trips.

Meals are covered by taxpayer dollars for the trip to downtown Chicago.

Dinner at Esquire in Chicago, IL, was $233.38 for three people. Per person cost was $77.79.

Dinner at The Dearborn in Chicago, IL, was $85.63 for two people? Per person cost was $42.82.

Lunch at Yardbird Chicago was $69.83 for two people. Per person cost was $34.92.

Per Park District policy, the maximum reimbursable rate for dinner is $35 a person.

The maximum reimbursable rate for lunch is $25 a person.

A download link to the Oak Brook Park District travel meal reimbursement policy is below.

Is that dinner for one person at Vele in Springfield, IL for $67.79?

The policy was received via a FOIA request. Download the Park District Policy: 2.23 Travel Expense & Reimbursement Procedure For Officers And Employees