Paid Volunteers Prompt Los Angeles Debate

Los Angeles officials are debating the appropriateness of city employees performing volunteer activities on the taxpayers’ dime.

During their work hours, 45 city employees volunteered to help out with an area Habitat for Humanity project in October. Local officials debating whether their paid presence created more problems than it solved, the Los Angeles Daily News said Saturday.

Tracy Westen, chief executive officer of the Center for Governmental Studies, said that while the volunteers were likely appreciated, there should be some occupational correlation if taxpayers will be footing the bill for their efforts.

Should taxpayers pay for this? Westen said. If it’s carefully moderated, it can be appropriate. But there needs to be a link to explain how it’s relevant to an employee’s job.

City Housing Department General Manager Mercedes Marquez said the work was relevant and an appropriate use of staff time.

This is well within our mission, Marquez said. “It’s one of the largest events internationally for low-income housing.

We’re the department that is charged with helping affordable housing at all levels.

Westen proposed the creation of specific rules and procedures for such volunteers to avoid potential favoritism or misappropriations of taxpayer funds, the Daily News reported.