City councillors will take a look at giving themselves a monthly allowance for cellphone expenses in the upcoming 2020 budget.
The general operating budget for Council provides for administrative expenses including training, office supplies, meetings, conferences, programming, and corporate initiatives.
"Councillors require flexibility in order to perform their roles and cell phones are a key factor to achieving on-going requirements," says a staff report. "Currently there is no cell phone budget to help offset individual costs. This service level change provides for a monthly $50 cell phone allowance to be provided to the City’s Councillors in order to offset their cell phone outlays."
The annual cost is estimated at $6,000.
Meanwhile, another budget proposal would double the amount spent to train councillors.
"Training exists to strengthen and improve the leadership, administrative, operational and other job-related skills of municipal councillors, administrators and all other personnel," says the staff report. "The program accomplishes this primary goal by providing training and continuing educational opportunities to Council."
If passed, it will increase the budgeted training allowance for councillors from $5,000 to $10,000 per councillor annually.
Examples of eligible training include relevant municipal conferences and travel.
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