Legislated yearly audits mean Oak Bay doesnB次元官网网址檛 expect any Darryl Plecas styled financial reports, according to Director of Financial Services Debbie Carter.

The legislative Speaker of the House released to the public earlier this month that laid out allegations of expensive personal indulgences that Sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz and Clerk Craig James charged to the Legislative Assembly.

For the last few years, KPMG has conducted audits of Oak BayB次元官网网址檚 finances. B次元官网网址淭hey typically do random samples,B次元官网网址� Carter said. B次元官网网址淭hey probably wonB次元官网网址檛 go through every employee annually, but through the course of a few years IB次元官网网址檓 pretty sure they touch on all of those expenses. They pay pretty close attention to employees and elected officialsB次元官网网址� remuneration and expenses.B次元官网网址�

Carter said the district has checks and balances in place. Expense claims go through the appropriate department before making their way to the districtsB次元官网网址� financial wing. After that, thereB次元官网网址檚 often a few more eyes that look over claims.

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That said, there is not a set total limit on how much elected officials can expense every year.

Councillors are entitled to ferry and airfare costs for events taking place outside of the Capital Regional District. They also receive a $55 per diem for meals. Events in Greater Vancouver or Whistler allow for an additional $10. Bylaws also allow for a $20 per diem in discretionary expenses, reimbursed without receipts.

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B次元官网网址淏ecause we have a new council, we have conducted extensive orientation sessions. Most of those things have been touched on through that process,B次元官网网址� Carter said. B次元官网网址淲hen expense claims come in, they are scrutinized really closely. If thereB次元官网网址檚 somthing thatB次元官网网址檚 not clear on the request for reimbursement, then we would go back and ask the appropriate questions of staff or council. ThatB次元官网网址檚 just done through regular financial checks and internal controls.B次元官网网址�

As is required by provincial legislation, summaries of council and staff salaries, as well as expenses, are made available to the public every year. The report for 2018 is expected at the end of June.

jesse.laufer@oakbaynews.com
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