When former Douglas City Administrator Bobbe Fitzhugh traveled to Montreal to receive an award, she slept in a room paid for by the city of Casper.

Travel plans called for Fitzhugh to share a room with Casper Assistant City Manager Linda Witko, who was also attending the conference. The city of Douglas was slated to pay for half of the room.

However, Fitzhugh was fired by the Douglas City Council in July. Since Douglas wasn't paying for her trip, Fitzhugh roomed with Witko for free.

Casper City Manager Tom Forslund said the city would've spent the money anyway, as Witko was set to attend regardless of whether Fitzhugh made the trip.

"Linda was there at the conference, and Bobbe came in to get an award and they let her stay in the room," Forslund said. "Since the city [of Casper] had that expense anyway, she just stayed there a night or two. It was just a courtesy."

The conference was Sept. 13-16, but Forslund said Fitzhugh didn't attend each night. The final cost of the hotel was about $775 for three nights.

You can reach city reporter Pete Nickeas at pete.nickeas@trib.com or (307) 266-0639. You can read more about Casper politics and government at http://tribtown.trib.com/redtape