Ever wonder what your city councillors spend on Christmas cards each year? Now you can find out. The city of Vancouver on Wednesday laid bare the mayor’s and all 10 councillors’ expenses claimed for the year of 2010 as part of its Open Data and Open Standards policy. It’s believed to be the only municipal government in B.C. to take such a step toward transparency. “Previously, these expenses could only be accessed through Freedom of Information requests; now anyone can click online and see for themselves,” Mayor Gregor Robertson said in a press release. “It’s a small but simple step to proactively release information.” A quick perusal of the data turns up a few anomalies. While Robertson, an avid cyclist, and three councillors each claimed zero in parking and transportation expenses, Coun. Geoff Meggs listed cab fares of $1,988.19 under the same heading. Coun. Tim Stevenson claimed $10.40 for “dry cleaning — flag for Pride Parade.” A somewhat mysterious item appears under Coun. Suzanne Anton’s expenses: “fundraising event — Masquerade,” on April 16. An annual Board of Trade membership costs $737.69, which a handful of councillors claimed. The lion’s share of most councillors’ expenses were claimed in travel to various conventions — all on official city business and all approved by council. “The city’s financial statements are audited [by an outside accounting firm] and this would have been part of that audit,” Coun. Andrea Reimer told The Province. “We have an internal audit office as well as an external audit office and [the expenses] all go through that system.” Reimer said Toronto has the same system, but she is not aware of any other B.C. town or city that has seen the light. (more)
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Council detailed expenses for 2010 (Excel 180 kb)
Council summary of expenses from 2002 to 2009Council Expenses Policy
Remuneration Policy
Councillors' salaries are based on the average earnings of Vancouver residents who are employed full-time, using census data for Vancouver. Salaries are adjusted annually and on the interim census years. All of this salary is taxable.Council members are paid (2011 rates):
- Mayor: $144,394 per year
- Councillor: $63,609 per year
- Deputy Mayor: $2,647 per month served
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