Councillor says donation concern not an accusation against mayor

Sarnia council has not supported a call to have Bluewater Power board members clarify items on the utility's financial statements.

Councillor Nathan Colquhoun questioned several things, including the reporting of salaries, wages and benefits and a $10,000 donation, that Colquhoun said was authorized to the mayor March 25, 2020 as part of his 2019 expense declaration.

During Monday's virtual meeting, Mayor Mike Bradley produced the cheque showing it was made out to the City of Sarnia.

Colquhoun apologized for any inference that the money was sent to the mayor personally.

"In the actual finances, in our city council report of our finances, it was written under your (Bradley's) category, however, my questions aren't to you," said Colquhoun. "I am sorry if it came across as me accusing you or insinuating anything about how you use that money."

Colquhoun said his concern was for a city funded corporation donating money to an event without the approval of council.

Councillor Margaret Bird wondered why Colquhoun raised the questions before council, and not the utility's annual general meeting.

"We are 86 per cent shareholder (of the utility), there's a lot of dividends that go back into our general budget that we are responsible for," said Colquhoun. "So, in the interest of transparency and open government, I'm interested in having those questions answered."

Colquhoun offered to amend his motion to say the donation was authorized to the city.

But, the request was ultimately turned down when mayor Bradley broke a tie vote.