By Charlene Gatt
MARIBYRNONG councillors have racked up more than $6900 in expenses in the last quarter.
New mayor Sarah Carter rang up $3287 to have the biggest expenses bill between October and December 2010, spending $2100 on an “Essential Mayors Weekend” run by the Victorian Local Governance Association, $829 in mobile phone charges and $120 for the Lady Mayoress Christmas Luncheon.
Sheoak Ward councillor Martin Zakharov was the next biggest spender with his $982 bill going towards a Municipal Association of Victoria conference, mobile phone charges, childcare and his Myki card.
Wattle Ward councillor Michael Clarke ($817), Saltwater Ward councillor John Cumming ($628), Bluestone Ward councillor Catherine Cumming ($371) and River Ward councillor Dina Lynch ($226) lodged more modest expenses on mobile phone bills, photocopying and attending events.
Stony Creek Ward councillor Sel Sanli claimed $445 on social events alone, including $200 to attend the Police Commissioners Ball, $100 for the Hobsons Bay Council Mayoral Function, $75 for the Footscray City College Graduation and $70 for the City of Dandenong’s Mayoral Charity Ball.
The council detailed the expenses at the March ordinary council meeting.
Under section 74 A and 74 B of the Local Government Act, councillors are paid an annual allowance of $21,326 each year and can also claim on any money spent while undertaking their duties as councillors.
The mayor’s annual allowance is $65,984.
Councillors are also provided with a home computer, email and internet connection, fax machine and blackberry for the duration of their term in office.
Councillors’ expenses are released quarterly. Residents can view a breakdown of expenses at www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
