Mayor Yemi signs administrative regulation strengthening rules for use of City vehicles and protective detail

Mayor Yemi Mobolade signed a new Administrative Regulation establishing clearer and more stringent policies governing the use of City-owned vehicles and protective detail for elected officials, effective May 7.

The issuing of the administrative regulation action follows recommendations to improve clarity, transparency and consistency in how City resources are used. A recent City Auditor review examined the use of City resources by an elected official and found resources were used appropriately, but recommended the establishment of clearer, enforceable policies. The audit was released in late March. At the April 27 City Council Work Session, the Deputy Chief of Staff informed Council that the administration was preparing a policy.

The regulation builds upon existing City employee policy adopted by City Council by adding clearer parameters for (1) the use of protective detail and (2) the personal use of City-owned vehicles, including reimbursement requirements and limits on family use. It also establishes more stringent limits than those outlined in Policy #56 of the City of Colorado Springs Civilian Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, which applies to Council and Mayoral appointees employed by the City, and includes the following provision:

A Council/Mayoral Appointee who operates a City-owned vehicle may use the vehicle for personal as well business reasons. In accordance with IRS regulations, the operation of the vehicle creates personal use income and must be reported to the Finance Office.

As part of a commitment to transparency, Mayor Yemi conducted a review of his prior use of a City-owned vehicle, including a personal trip to Crested Butte from March 20-25 that has already been reported based on IRS business fringe benefit standard mileage rates. Furthermore, he has reimbursed the City the full amount of $276.95, and moving forward will adhere to the more stringent standard.

Mayor Yemi has also donated $110.57 to the City for the 152.5 miles for the use of the vehicle by his wife during the summer of 2025 using the IRS business standard mileage rate, in addition to reporting the mileage to the IRS as a fringe benefit.

"This regulation reflects my commitment to clear expectations and responsible use of taxpayer dollars," said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. "Existing policy allowed certain personal use of City-owned vehicles, but this regulation provides clearer guidance and stronger consistency moving forward and holds me and the Office of the Mayor to a higher standard. Transparency matters, and I believe it's important to align past use with these updated expectations so residents can have confidence in how City resources are managed."