A council committee in Halifax has urged the implementation of a strategy to enhance financial transparency within the mayor’s office and the municipality following an audit that raised concerns about $111,000 in expenses incurred by Mayor Andy Fillmore. The finance committee voted to task the chief administrative officer with devising corrective actions based on the findings of the June audit, which identified four transactions within Fillmore’s office that did not adhere to municipal policies. Consequently, the regional auditor general referred the issue to the RCMP for further investigation.
Fillmore refrained from participating in the committee’s deliberations, citing potential conflict of interest. However, the approved motion, which incorporated amendments proposed by the mayor, expanded the plan’s scope to encompass not only his office but the entire municipality. Fillmore emphasized the importance of accountability in a statement, acknowledging the need to not only pinpoint the origins of issues but also to comprehend how they occurred, address vulnerabilities, and prevent recurrences.
The collaborative effort to fortify accountability standards across the municipality was commended by Fillmore, who stressed the need for consistent application of these standards. The finalized plan is slated to be presented to the council within two months.
Councilor Sam Austin expressed hope that the plan would reassess a previous decision by the municipality’s former chief administrative officer to grant greater autonomy to the mayor’s office, a move that was criticized following subsequent issues. The auditor general, Andrew Atherton, disclosed that he involved the RCMP in the matter after completing the audit due to its complexity and potential legal implications.
Regarding Fillmore’s expenses, the mayor highlighted increased training for himself and his staff on procurement processes. He clarified that the expenses in question underwent the requisite approval steps, including endorsement by senior officials. Notably, the largest expense involved hiring a human resources consultant, with the final cost exceeding the initial estimate. Atherton noted lapses in procurement protocol for this and other contracts, including the absence of competitive bids and failure to obtain approval from the regional government’s solicitor.
Fillmore confirmed reimbursing the legal expenses personally, emphasizing that they were not personal in nature. The need for enhanced oversight and adherence to procurement guidelines within the municipality was underscored through these findings.