Vehicle allowance fuels council talk

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 16, 2013 1:00 AM
Vehicle allowances for staff has driven some lively debate among Coldstream politicians. Councillors Pat Cochrane and Peter McClean opposed a motion Monday that calls for exempt employees to receive a monthly vehicle allowance, if approved by the chief administrative officer, to cover the cost of personal vehicle expenses in the discharge of their duties. “This is opening it up to all exempt staff at the discretion of the CAO,” said Cochrane. “It leaves things a little open. I’d prefer a list of who qualifies. It allows the CAO to add it to contracts without council input.” Council had been asked to approve a policy that only included a vehicle allowance for the chief administrative officer, director of financial administration and the director of development services. Other staff would have been paid mileage for using their own vehicles. However, Coun. Doug Dirk presented an alternative motion that referred to exempt employees in general and did not specify any positions. “If there is enough usage, submitting a mileage report frequently doesn’t make sense,” said Dirk. “This simplifies the process. If there are 14 requisitions in a month, it may make more sense to have an allowance.” Except for McClean and Cochrane, the rest of council endorsed Dirk’s plan. “It doesn’t affect anyone at this time. It only affects anyone new,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. Coun. Gyula Kiss was absent from Monday’s meeting.