Just curious... You said "My treasurer set up a line item in our budget...". Does this mean that this was approved as part of your budget? Or does it mean he/she kind of snuck it in?
We don't submit mileage; like you, I consider it a donation to the cause. I think I would argue against it if anyone tried to make it an issue (unless someone was doing a very long trip, but I can't imagine why they would) The only personal expense item that I submit occasionally is for a printer cartridge for my home printer (and I only do that once every 7 or 8 cartridges) I use my printer a lot for the PTO.
My treasurer setup a line item in our budget this year for mileage reimbursement of up to $250. Since gas prices have soared, the idea was to reimburse board members for errand running outside of a 5 mile radius. We used the IRS allowance of .32 cents per mile and to date only the Treasurer and Mother Vice have made claims. Personally I'm not inclined to make a claim because I consider my time/gas and talent a pure donation to the cause.
Recently, several people have expressed concern citing that they have never heard of such a thing and think the item is garbage.
Looking for some feedback on this issue from any other groups that have considered or currently employ a similar program.