By Rosalind Russell – Division within the council of the Township of the North Shore has led to exceeding the budget for the Integrity Commissioner.
Council had set a 2024 budget of $10,000 for Integrity Commissioner investigations, but a new report shows just under $40,000 has been spent so far on Integrity Commissioner investigations.
During their last meeting, Mayor Tony Moor says the increase in complaints to the integrity commissioner will mean re-evaluating the budget due to the way some council members are behaving in council chambers, adding the increase costs will end being paid by taxpayers.
Moor says there needs training as to what is acceptable, adding if a complaint is dismissed, there is still a financial cost incurred.
Moor believes legislative changes must be made at the provincial level to deal with misconduct on council, including mandated mediation and sensitivity training.
Integrity commissioner Tony Fleming issued sanctions against two councillors earlier this year.
A report from Fleming is expected to be presented to council soon.
To review the November 19th meeting, go to Council Meeting Videos – Township of The North Shore.
The discussion begins around the 18:50 mark.
Screenshot by Rosalind Russell
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