Re: “Don’t revive auditor position,” editorial, March 25.
While it can be generally agreed that the reporting relationship of the B.C. auditor general for local government was less than ideal, let’s not discredit this worthy idea because of flawed legislation and personnel issues.
Federal and provincial government programs are all subject to external auditors general who report to Parliament and the B.C. legislature. Local governments are the only level of government that escapes any kind of scrutiny over programs and spending decisions.
Sure, their financial statements are audited, but it amounts to little more than making sure the numbers add up, months after the fact. Program expenditures are not examined for their appropriateness nor evaluated on achievement of outputs.
Take, for example, grant programs. In Oak Bay, there is no requirement for recipients of public funds to be organized as nonprofit societies, and no requirement for recipients to report on the effective use of public funds. Some council members considered this too “onerous.”
This is not good stewardship, nor is it sound financial management of the public purse.
This one example highlights the important function that an auditor general for local government can fulfil in evaluating municipal programs, processes and expenditures.
Local governments are quick to point out they are accessible to the local electorate, so why not shine some light on their activities and decisions? An independent auditor general who specializes in local-government programs will provide a much-needed and valued service to British Columbians.
Lesley Ewing
Oak Bay
