Wellington County council has approved an amendment to its conference policy that lays out criteria for attending conferences outside Canada and the U.S.
The recommendation was made by council’s administration, finance and personnel committee in response to a $2,500 bill approved in August by council for a May trip to China by councillor Lou Maieron.
The conference policy allows for councillors to attend up to four conferences each year, one of which may be outside Ontario; or three conferences, two of which may be outside Ontario.
“It is recommended that this policy be expanded to include travel and any related expense for a conference or a trade mission outside Canada and/or the United States,” the committee recommended.
“This type of expense would only be reimbursed by county council approval by resolution in advance of any expenses being incurred.”
Maieron’s request to council to cover some of his expenses for the China trip was criticized by several councillors, who argued council should have been aware of the trip and its potential costs before the trip took place. In the end, council agreed to cover the costs.
“We added a line,” committee chairman John Green told council at its monthly meeting on Sept. 26. “Those questions will not come up again.”
Conference expenses include travel and transportation, meals, conference registration and lodging. All other expenses, considered incidental to duties as a councillor, are not reimbursed.
