AGO Opinion Topics: REIMBURSEMENT TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES

1.  Prior to its amendment in 1990, RCW 28B.50.140(3) empowered a community college board of trustees to fix the salary and duties of community college presidents.  RCW 28B.50.140(3) only empowered the board to pay salary.  Payments to reimburse a president for the president's transportation expenses did not constitute salary and were not authorized under RCW 28B.50.140(3).    2.  In 1990 RCW 28B.50.140(3) was amended.  Laws of 1990, ch. 135, § 1, p. 926.  Amended RCW 28B.50.140(3) authorizes a community college board of trustees to fix the compensation and duties of community college presidents.  Payments to reimburse a president for the president's transportation expenses are not authorized as compensation since RCW 43.03.060(1) provides the procedure to reimburse state employees for travel expenses.  RCW 28B.50.140(3) does not authorize the board to supplant this reimbursement system.