When reading the front page article about the CSRD expense policy, I thought I was reading an April Fool’s edition of the Observer, or is it just that the electoral area directors think the electorate are fools?
I was a Salmon Arm councillor for nine years and on the CSRD board for six. In that time I experienced instances of the ‘wild west’ leadership of some EA directors, especially regarding lack of building inspection.
Staff should be applauded for recommending a reasonable and overdue expense policy update, finally bringing the CSRD up to the accountability standards for the ‘real world.’ The EA directors’ financial accountability is definitely not up to minimum standards, yet the outrage by some directors was ridiculous.
“We have to provide itemized receipts for expenses?” “Staff didn’t consult with the EA directors before presenting this policy update.” “We didn’t have time to review the policy.” Please!
It is staff’s responsibility to bring this type of policy update forward. The board materials are available a week before the meeting. Directors had ample time to review, research, and propose amendments. There was no justification for a deferral. I think the EA directors just wanted a private discussion on how this might impact them personally. Further, I am extremely disappointed that the mayor of Salmon Arm supported this deferral.
The EA directors and the mayor must show leadership and accountability by adopting this policy at the next board meeting. I applaud staff and the board members who voted against the deferral. I urge the media, municipal directors and the public to attend the upcoming EA directors meeting to see exactly why the policy update was deferred.
Perhaps it is time the CSRD revisited region-wide building inspection and implemented a policy on the number of times an elected official can attend FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities convention) in a term as well.
Kevin Flynn