HRM councillors say expense audit won’t find much
Posted Jun 3, 2010 06:00:18 AM.
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It doesn’t appear city councillors are too concerned with the news their expense claims and spending practices will be scrutinized by HRM’s auditor general.
The review of councillor expenses is one of the first tasks for Larry Munroe, hired as the city’s auditor general last September.
He says he felt with all the hoopla over politicians’ expenses at the provincial and federal level, it was wise to begin his review of the city’s books with a look at council expenses.
That decision is getting a warm reception from several councillors, including Coun. Dawn Sloane (Downtown,) who says she isn’t expecting Munroe to find any irregularities with her or any other councillor’s expenses.
“I don’t think it will because we do have these rules that were imposed on us by the province,” she said. “Perhaps if the province followed the rules that they imposed on us they wouldn’t be in the trouble they’re in.”
Coun. Tim Outhit (Bedford) says he’s followed the rules to the letter – and the rules don’t leave much room for abuse.
“I have to have a receipt for everything I do,” he said. “It has to be approved by the auditor that runs council, support, it has to be approved by finance, and…anything we use for our own use, computers or blackberries, go back when we retire or are defeated or whatever.”
Coun. Sue Uteck (South End) says that with three levels of approval required for any expense, Munroe isn’t likely to find much skulduggery among regional councillors. Still, she says she’s glad he’s starting with the audit.
“With everything in today’s limelight happening with our provincial and federal MLAs, I think the public wants the assurance that we’re doing the right thing,” she said.
The audit is currently being organized and it’s not clear how long it might take.
