Former mayor McDougall pays back $17K in personal expenses charged to CBRM credit card

Former Mayor of Cape Breton Regional Municipality Repays $17,000 in Misused Funds

In a recent investigation, it was discovered that the former mayor of Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Amanda McDougall, had misused a CBRM credit card for personal expenses. The investigation, conducted by Sydney lawyer Robert Sampson and Grant Thornton accountant John MacNeil, revealed approximately $76,000 in unreported expenses over an 18-month period. This included personal expenses as well as legitimate business costs that were not properly reported.

Current Mayor Cecil Clarke expressed concern over the discrepancies in the numbers, stating that the prolonged lack of accountability raised red flags. The personal expenses incurred by McDougall included travel, accommodations, meals, Uber rides, costly Costco purchases, Home Depot expenditures, and a significant dental bill.

According to CBRM policy, personal expenses are strictly prohibited on CBRM credit cards. McDougall cooperated with the investigation and promptly repaid the full amount. In a statement, McDougall acknowledged her mistakes, attributing them to taking on additional administrative tasks in the absence of her office manager.

Following the presentation of the investigative report to council, Coun. Glenn Paruch expressed shock at the revelation, stating that he and his colleagues were unaware of the former mayor’s financial indiscretions. Mayor Clarke emphasized the importance of tightening credit card policies to align with provincial regulations and ensure timely expense reporting.

The revised credit card policy now requires expenses to be accounted for within a two-month period, with the suspension of cards for non-compliance. The Department of Municipal Affairs is currently reviewing the investigation report, which has been made available on the municipal website for public scrutiny.

As is standard practice, CBRM must publicly disclose council member expenses quarterly. While McDougall accrued the highest expenses during her term as mayor, the final total is yet to be disclosed. The municipality continues to uphold transparency and accountability in financial matters to maintain public trust.

In conclusion, the investigation into Amanda McDougall’s misuse of CBRM credit card funds serves as a reminder of the importance of fiscal responsibility and adherence to established policies. By addressing the discrepancies and implementing stricter controls, Cape Breton Regional Municipality aims to prevent future instances of financial misconduct and uphold the highest standards of ethical governance.