A call for enhanced financial oversight within the Halifax mayor’s office and the wider municipality has been made by a council committee following an audit that questioned $111,000 in expenses incurred by Mayor Andy Fillmore. The finance committee voted to task the chief administrative officer with developing corrective actions in response to the audit’s findings that highlighted four transactions that did not align with municipal policies.
The audit findings led the regional auditor general to involve the RCMP in the matter. Mayor Fillmore refrained from participating in the committee’s discussion, citing potential conflict of interest concerns. However, the approved motion, with amendments proposed by the mayor, now encompasses not just his office but the entirety of the municipality.
Expressing acceptance of the auditor general’s conclusions, Fillmore emphasized that true accountability involves not only pinpointing issues but also understanding their origins, rectifying weaknesses, and preventing recurrence. He stressed the importance of strengthening accountability measures for taxpayers and ensuring uniform standards across the municipality.
The finalized plan, which will cover both the mayor’s office and broader municipal operations, is anticipated to be presented to the council within two months. Councilor Sam Austin expressed hope that the plan would reassess a previous decision granting the mayor’s office increased independence, which had faced challenges.
The audit, conducted by Andrew Atherton, led to the involvement of law enforcement due to its complexity. Fillmore highlighted that additional training on procurement processes had been provided to him and his team. The audit identified instances where procurement protocols were not followed, such as negotiating contracts without competitive bids and engaging services without proper approvals.
One notable expense involved hiring a human resources consultant, resulting in costs exceeding the initial budget. The audit also flagged instances where the procurement process was circumvented, leading to expenditures on services without appropriate authorizations. Fillmore clarified that he personally reimbursed certain expenses, emphasizing that they were not of a personal nature.
The reform measures aim to enhance financial transparency and accountability, addressing the discrepancies identified in the audit. The collaborative efforts between the council committee and the mayor underscore a commitment to rectifying past oversights and fortifying financial practices throughout the municipality.