Council expenses revealed

Thunder Bay city councillors did not exceed their 2009 budget with their combined expenses totalling $65,898.

Each city councillors receives a budget of $7,200 for the year. The budget was listed into five major accounting categories: telecommunications, travel and training, general expenses, ward/ townhall meetings and subscriptions.

Coun. Trevor Giertuga had the most expenses with a total of $6,608. Giertuga said his expense totals came to no surprise to him because he had received monthly statements throughout the year.

"It’s just general expenses and I think I’m $200 more or so than the next person," Giertuga said.

Giertuga couldn’t recall what his budget was from the year before, but was sure that he was in check.

Coun. Larry Hebert had the least amount of expenses with a total of $3,895. He said that with low expenses it could appear to some that he isn’t doing anything, but that’s not the case.

"I try to keep my expenses down," Hebert said. "Other people travel more than I do and I’ve had a couple of trips but they have been in the district. I don’t think anyone is way out of whack (when it comes to expenses)"

Hebert said his biggest expenses were in telecommunication with the use of his cell phone. He uses the phone to keep in touch with the public and other contacts.

Hebert had no expenses in three of the five categories including ward/ townhall meetings. Hebert had a townhall meeting last year, but didn’t think there was a pressing need for one this year.

"Last year there were a couple of topics (that needed to be dealt with), the main one being the waterfront development," he said.

The councillor said he is confident that council is using public funds wisely.

Councillors spent the most on telecommunications, with a total of $43,028. Although not the least expensive, ward/townhall meetings totalled $3,881. Coun. Andrew Foulds spent the most on townhalls – $1,526.

Foulds said having meetings with his constituents allows him to learn what council needs to focus on. Quality of life issues were commonly brought up as important topics, he said.

"I guess I believe strongly in communicating," Foulds said. "I take my responsibility with using public funds very seriously. Whenever I personally use any expenses I make sure I’m as responsible as possible."

Foulds said he would like to see more investment in community services such as trails and parks, however, he too believes council has been responsible with public funds so far.