27 February 2007 - Ordinary Meeting of Council (pdf. 14MB)

Ordinary Meeting of Council - 27 February 2007 3 / 2
Item 3
S03779
8 February 2007
PURPOSE OF REPORT
To adopt a new Policy on the Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities for Councillors
following public exhibition of the revised draft Policy.
BACKGROUND
In September 2006 the Department of Local Government issued Circular 06/57 providing new
guidelines for the payment of expenses and provision of facilities to Mayors and Councillors. In
accordance with the guidelines Council's Policy was reviewed and amended. On 6 December 2006
Council approved the revised draft for public exhibition.
COMMENTS
The revised draft policy was advertised in the North Shore Times on 12 January 2007 and again on
2 February 2007 as well as being placed on Council’s website during this period. Public
submissions closed on 9 February 2007. No submissions were received.
After preparation of the draft, an amendment was made to clause 217 of the Local Government
(General) Regulation. This clause sets out information to be provided in the Annual Report
regarding costs associated with implementation of the Councillors' Policy. The amended clause has
now been incorporated into the Policy (attached).
CONSULTATION
Section 253 of the Local Government Act requires Council to allow at least 28 days for the making
of public submissions. Council has complied with this requirement.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Throughout the Policy there are annual limits set on certain expenses and facilities. These limits are
for the 12 month period commencing in September. As adoption of the new Policy is occurring six
months into this period these limits could be adjusted to cover the period March to August 2007.
However, with the exception of Clause 2.9 (Care and Other Related Expenses), the costs involved
are insignificant. It is recommended that for Clause 2.9 the limits for Care of Relatives and Special
Requirements of Councillors be set at $1,000 each for the period March to August 2007, being 50%
of the annual limits.
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