Grumpy Taxpayer$ has raised concerns about the size and cost of conference delegations sent collectively by neighbouring South Island municipalities and in particular by Langford.
That said, we are pleased Langford council will finally update an expense policy that was drafted 17 years ago in 2006. The expense policy needs to be rewritten with more clarity for council, staff and the public
But taxpayers have questions.
Should a per diem rate of $60 in 2006 B次元官网网址� thatB次元官网网址檚 $87 in todayB次元官网网址檚 dollars, according to the Bank of Canada inflation calculator B次元官网网址� even be increased? So, it appears travel expenses were exceedingly high for many years.
The current B.C. government employee travel allowance is very comparable to Langford.
Saanich council B次元官网网址� managing a much larger and more complex jurisdiction B次元官网网址� is entitled to daily allowance for the cost of meals and gratuities to a maximum of $65. Incidentals of $10 are not paid unless thereB次元官网网址檚 an overnight stay. A daily allowance is not paid when meals are provided.
ItB次元官网网址檚 hoped Langford council will follow their newly minted code of conduct and particularly the sections on B次元官网网址榠nformation managementB次元官网网址� and B次元官网网址榗ommunication with the public.B次元官网网址�
Most sizeable municipalities in B.C. post public documents such as annual council financial disclosures, remuneration and council travel expense policies on their civic website. ItB次元官网网址檚 a hallmark of good governance, transparency and accountability.
Why doesnB次元官网网址檛 Langford?
Stan Bartlett, vice-chair
Grumpy Taxpayer$ of Greater Victoria
