Toronto City Hall – Official Opening 1965
By Jessica Richard
City councillors released their 2014 constituency and office expenses Friday, revealing some interesting numbers.
The most frugal spender was Doug Ford, who paid $57.14 out of pocket, while the top spender was Anthony Perruzza spending $28,960.31.
Councillors were given a budget of $30,000, which was reduced from $50,000 by the Rob Ford administration.
Some expenses that stood out include, Bose speakers, a megaphone, a bouncy castle rental, a dinner at The Keg restaurant, car magnets, $4,000 on website design and a $5,000 trip to China to attend a conference.
Some of the more notable purchases made by the top five spenders include:
Councillor Anthony Perruzza, Ward 8
Total expenses: $28,960.31
Interesting items on Perruzza’s statement included an extra $9,710.76 for staff salaries, $19.48 in Rogers late payment fees, a $441.66 Toronto Star subscription, and $250 for extra compost purchased to give to constituents.
Councillor Cesar Palacio, Ward 17
Total expenses: $28,187.99
Palacio charged the taxpayers for his news as well, spending $394.12 on a Toronto Sun subscription and $3,500 on additional compost expenses as well.
Councillor Joe Mihevc, Ward 21
Total expenses: $28,051.69
A few interesting things on Mihevc’s statement included $31.56 for late payment fees on his Rogers bill, $635.99 on a Toronto Star subscription, and $1,750 on additional compost expenses.
Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 30
Total expenses: $27,538.02
Fletcher’s statement included an extra $5,851.71 for staff salaries and $2000 for additional compost purchases.
Councillor Michelle Berardinetti, Ward 35
Total expenses: $27,538.02
Berardinetti is an Apple fan. Her statement included $762.18 for an iPad Air, $223.87 for an iPhone 6, $1,229.34 for a MacBook Air, $71.18 for an external hard drive and $242.15 for an AppleCare Protection plan. She also expensed $216.71 for iPad accessories and $1,750 for additional compost.