It is that time of year again where we get to see who has made the Sunshine list here in Cobourg.
The Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act requires organizations that receive public funding from the Province of Ontario to make public, by March 31 each year, the names, positions, salaries and total taxable benefits of employees paid $100,000 or more in the previous calendar year.
Council is responsible for approving the spending of taxpayer dollars.
We do not always know if the money was appropriately spent for the purpose intended. Too many times, Councillors bring forward motions to allocate money for projects that we never hear about again.
One of the first major work items for the new Council will be to review and approve the 2023 budget and property tax levy.
As we watched the mayoral debate between John Henderson and Lucas Cleveland, we heard John Henderson say that the KPMG Organizational Review indicated a large percentage of the overall budget is already allocated to collective agreements and agreements with different associations, non-profits, third party organizations, and previously approved capital projects.
Some candidates believe spending more will get them elected. They try to entice voters with their expensive campaign promises that they will fulfil once elected.
Spending more is the easy way (we think of it as lazy) that requires no thinking.
Whether John Henderson or Lucas Cleveland is elected as the next mayor, they will need to do a lot better than the current mayor.
Council is responsible for policies, practices, and procedures, ensuring the accountability and transparency of the Town, and maintaining the financial integrity of the Town.
