The Halifax council committee has requested a strategy to enhance financial transparency in both the mayor’s office and the municipality following an audit that flagged $111,000 in Mayor Andy Fillmore’s expenses. The finance committee decided to task the chief administrative officer with developing corrective actions based on the audit findings, which highlighted four transactions in Fillmore’s office that did not align with municipal policies. In response to the audit, the regional auditor general referred the issue to the RCMP.
During the committee’s discussion on Wednesday, Fillmore chose not to participate, citing potential conflict of interest concerns. Despite his absence, the approved motion, with amendments proposed by the mayor, expanded the plan’s scope to encompass not only the mayor’s office but the entire municipality. Fillmore emphasized the importance of accountability beyond simply identifying problems, stressing the need to comprehend the root causes, rectify weaknesses, and prevent future occurrences.
The mayor expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to fortify taxpayer accountability standards, as highlighted in the committee’s acceptance of his proposed changes. The finalized plan is anticipated to be presented to the council within two months. Councilor Sam Austin expressed hope that the plan would reassess a past decision granting the mayor’s office increased autonomy, which he believed had resulted in negative outcomes.
The municipality’s auditor general, Andrew Atherton, informed the committee in June that he involved the RCMP following the audit due to concerns exceeding his expertise, stating he was unsure of the legality of the situation. Fillmore emphasized that he and his team had undergone additional training on procurement processes, and while the expenses in question were approved and deemed reasonable, there were discrepancies in following proper procurement protocols.
One notable expense involved hiring a human resources consultant, where the final cost exceeded the initial estimate without competitive bidding. Another instance highlighted a failure to follow procurement procedures when hiring a speechwriter without soliciting bids or defining expectations through a contract. Two additional contracts for legal services were flagged for not receiving approval from the regional government’s solicitor as mandated by procurement rules. Fillmore clarified that he personally reimbursed the legal expenses, emphasizing they were not personal charges.