Even though Prince George is going ahead with its own review to reduce costs at City Hall, the province's wheels continue to turn to create an auditor general for municipal governments.
A search has begun for Audit Council members in anticipation of the passing of the Auditor General for Local Government Act (Bill 20) this spring.
The new auditor general position would report through the Audit Council, which is to be made up of at least five individuals with relevant professional expertise in accounting, auditing, local and regional governance or provincial governance. Audit Council members would be appointed by the province for terms of up to three years.
"In anticipation of Bill 20 passing, we are taking the next crucial steps towards establishing the Office of the Auditor General for Local government," said Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong. "We are anxious to get going with our first audits and need to be prepared to take action as soon as the legislation is in place."
Introduced in November, the proposed legislation would help local governments find efficiencies in spending and improve program effectiveness by providing neutral, non-binding advice. Like other auditors general, the one for local government would make recommendations for improvements, but not impose solutions.
Once interviews for Audit Council positions are complete, the Board Resourcing and Development Office - which is responsible for the job posting - will present a final list of potential candidates to Minister Chong for consideration. Council members will be officially appointed after the legislation is in force.
"This is an important step toward bring a much-needed addition to the accountability of how city halls spend our property taxes," said Jordan Bateman, B.C. director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. "If something is a concern at city hall, residents need to have someone available to look at the problem with fresh eyes."
For more information on becoming an Audit Council member, visit www.gov.bc.ca/brdo.
