Cr Cynthia Manson racked up the largest bill. 38772 Picture: PAUL JEFFERS
By XAVIER SMERDON
RATEPAYERS in Wyndham have footed a bill of almost $100,000 for councillor expenses in just 12 months.
The Wyndham councillor expenses for the Mayoral Term 2010/11 were released by the council last week.
The figures showed that Cr Cynthia Manson – currently on leave – once again claimed the largest amount of the $97,590 bill.
Cr Manson’s $19,359 in claims was even larger than the amount claimed by the Mayor for most of last year, Cr John Menegazzo, who used $18,542 in expenses.
Childcare took up the majority of Cr Manson’s expenses with a bill of $5138, but she also spent $7375 on Councillor Training and Development.
Cr Heather Marcus claimed the least amount of money, just $3980.
Cr Menegazzo said at last week’s council meeting that the council was right to pay for improving the skills of councillors.
“Probably in the eyes of some people the most contentious expense claim I think relates to training and development every year, and it is a significant item. I have to say that I cannot speak highly enough of the value of this course in providing and improving the skills and knowledge that is highly valuable in many councils right across Victoria,” Cr Menegazzo said.
As revealed in Star last month, Cr Manson is currently on one month leave after being arrested by police over allegations of property damage.
Wyndham Council CEO Kerry Thompson said that Cr Manson would continue to receive her allowances and expenses during this time.
Ms Thompson also addressed a question from the gallery as to whether or not Cr Manson was in breach of councillor Code of Conduct rules following her arrest.
“Yes she is entitled to her allowances and expenses while she is on leave,” Ms Thompson said.
“The Mayor does not have the power to stand down a councillor who breaches the code and there is a detailed due process to consider to determine a breach of the code.”
Cynthia Manson told Star that a large amount of her expenses was due to mediation costs after she accused several other councillors of trespassing at the heritage listed Davis House last year.
“$6000 of that money was for mediation around the Davis House, which I did not ask for,” Cr Manson said.
