Nova Scotia municipalities agree to work out expense policy - Action News
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Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia municipalities agree to work out expense policy

The province and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities have agreed to standardize expense policies, not long after spending came under scrutiny in two local governments.

Spending practices in Richmond and Guysborough have come under investigation

Municipal Affairs Minister Zach Churchill said the new policy would "get that shadow of a doubt off our shoulders" following expense scandals. (Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press)

The province and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities have signed an agreement to work on nine priorities, including standardized expense policies.

Municipal Affairs Minister Zack Churchill signed the agreement on Thursday in Halifax at the annual Union of Nova Scotia Municipality meeting, "so we can get that shadow of a doubt off our shoulders and have a standardized system of accountability and transparency from one end of the province to another," he said.

Spending problems

A few municipalities post the expenses of elected officials online but most do not. A few communities still pay for alcohol and the amount paid for mileage varies widely.

The provincial ombudsman has investigated questionablespending and financial oversight of Richmond County, and is currently looking into the expenses of officials in Guysborough.

The Nova Scotia Office of the Ombudsman found Richmond County had a "culture of entitlement" when it came to spending on travel, meals and alcohol. (Angela MacIvor/CBC)

The past president of the UNSM, Cecil Clarke, who is also the Mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, said he hopes standardized expense policies, such as online posting, will be ready by April 2017.

"A system in place applicable for every municipality, for every person elected or worker," Clarke said. "So on a quarterly basis that information is loaded and available."

Municipal AG considered

The ombudsman also has recommended hiring a municipal auditor general. But not everyone thinks that is a good idea.YarmouthMayor Pam Mood, for instance,thinks it's unnecessary.

"I'm not sold on that piece," shesaid.

"It doesn't mean we can't have checkpoints along the way, clear policies where everything is standard."

Even those who agree with the idea of a municipal auditor general aren't sure how municipalities would be able to pay for the position.

The other priorities include providing support for planning, like minimal standards, reviewing fire services and municipal governance rules, as well as sharing research and meeting on a regular basis.