The Madison Board of Ethics discussed an ordinance Wednesday that places stricter rules on third parties that pay for city officials' expenses.
The board originally addressed this matter after receiving a complaint from former alder Brenda Konkel regarding a biking trip Mayor Dave Cieslewicz took to Europe in April, questioning how the trip will benefit the city of Madison.
Ald. Bridget Maniaci, Dist. 2, said she feels the board's manual on the ordinance is vague.
""I'm not comfortable where this is right now. There's not much at all in place,"" Maniaci said. ""The way it is now may cause people to not take advantage of conferences.""
Maniaci said she believes the current rule should be changed to allow for unexpected changes and should be flexible for individual budget increases.
Madison resident Rosemary Lee said she felt Maniaci's proposed changes would be unnecessary and would create more gray area for the comptroller's office.
""City funds need to be controlled and spent appropriately and I think all of the safeguards are here,"" Lee said.
Board member Laura Rose said the focus right now should be on making sure officials adhere to their budgets.
""We don't want people getting reimbursed for things of excessive value,"" Rose said.
