The Department violated State Budget Manual regulations regarding overnight travel status. Over a five-year period, the Department spent more than $22,000 for the Commissioner, Chief of Staff, and State Fair Manager to stay in hotels in Raleigh during the State Fair. All three officials have duty stations in Raleigh but live more than an hour away. Department officials cited the need to address safety and security issues at the State Fair as well as safety issues for these officials working long days as justification for their hotel stays. However, Department management ignored existing state policy and did not seek a waiver from the existing overnight travel requirements.