Sechelt councillors are looking for more information on the proposed creation of an auditor general for local governments (AGLG), unconvinced the new position will be to their benefit.
A press release from the provincial government states the AGLG would help local governments find "efficiencies in spending and improve program effectiveness by providing neutral, non-binding advice."
The idea was the source of much debate at the recent Union of B.C. Municipalities. Powell River - Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons noted the $2.5 million plan has been controversial.
"The legislation has been controversial, in part because local governments are considered by many to be the most accountable level of government, and in part because of the way the legislation was proposed, with minimal consultation," Simons wrote in a letter to the District of Sechelt that was discussed at their Dec. 21 regular council meeting.
He asked for feedback on the plan prior to its debate in the legislature this spring.
Coun. Alice Lutes said, "I agree with our MLA that we should in some way send feedback with our concerns, because my biggest concern around this auditor general is not that he or she will find us doing something wrong, my concern is because of our unique situation on the Coast."
She explained that being in a remote area, the District may not get the lowest bids on projects.
"Will it mean our grants are limited or affected because of the dollars we pay for something here on the Coast that may be paid for a lesser amount in a different community?" she wondered.
Councillors wanted more specifics about the proposed legislation.
"I think some of the questions are what are the ramifications of the legislation? Is it that this individual will come in at random, or is it by request of various municipalities?" Coun. Mike Shanks asked.
The idea of an AGLG was upsetting to Coun. Doug Hockley as well.
"I don't like the idea of the provincial auditor. I think it's a duplication of services. I think it's an intrusion into municipal politics, and I really resent the idea of somebody imposing an audit from Victoria on a system that already has it's own auditing ability," Hockley said. "I think it's a political move by people in Victoria to impose and get some points for the fact that they don't particularly like how we do business in municipalities," he added.
The many questions and concerns led to a motion to ask staff to prepare a report on the AGLG to be presented at a future committee of the whole meeting.
"I think the message is loud and clear. We're looking for some more information so we can potentially make a submission to the legislature," Mayor John Henderson said.
