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Vol. 12, No. 56, Wednesday November 22, 2017 www.LamontLeader.com
Myrnam youth still missing RCMP request public assistance Two Hills RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 16 year old Ainsley Kirk. Ainsley was last seen in Myrnam, Alberta on November 13, 2017 wearing a black zippered hoodie, black leggings and grey boots. Ainsley is described as: - Caucasian female - 5’4” tall, 130 lbs. - Brown hair, brown eyes Two Hills RCMP are requesting anyone with information regarding Ainsley’s whereabouts to contact them at: 780-657-2820 or call your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous phone 1-800222-8477 or www.tipsubmit.com
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Santa welcomed kids of all ages to visit during Bruderheim’s annual Christmas Celebrations on Saturday, Nov. 18 at Bruderheim School. There were treats and crafts for the youngsters and a bevy of additional activities hosted by volunteers with the Bruderheim Recreation and Culture Board. On Dec. 21 board members will be judging the yard decorating contest.
Lamont County councillor questions credit card usage Michelle Pinon Editor
Credit card purchases made by Lamont County staff not only raised the eyebrows of Div. 5 Coun. Neil Woitas who was reviewing statements recently, but also prompted him to ask related questions to administration during the November 14 meeting. “I did some checking,” stated Coun. Woitas, who had been pouring over credit card expenditures which he said has topped $188,000 with just over two months to
go before the end of the year. He noted there were also six pages of statements that he has yet to obtain. With thousands dollars spent on travel, retail, groceries, etc., Coun. Woitas stated: “There’s some big numbers in five months…I’m just wondering how much abuse there is?” He also cited purchases made through the Ticket Pro site that sells tickets online for sporting events, concerts and theatre performances as well as a couple of entries for golf fees amounting to hundreds
of dollars. Corporate Services Director Debbie Hackman told Coun. Woitas she couldn’t tell him off the top of her head who made the purchases and for what specific items, but would be able to provide that information upon further investigation and research into the matter. Coun. Woitas also asked aloud: “Do all these people need credit cards?” He also wanted to know if there were maximum limits on the cards. Chief Administrative Officer Robyn Singleton said he
had every right to raise concerns but cautioned Coun. Woitas not to name any names or departments. Coun. Woitas shook his head several times during the discussion, and pointed out: “If I ran a business like that I’d be out of business. We have to be accountable for every dollar we spend.” Hackman told Coun. Woitas the county has a corporate account, but staff have individual credit card numbers and individual limits, and those limits are established by policy.” Reeve Wayne
Woldanksi noted that every expenditure is on the statement, and each department head has to sign off on those expenditures. Hackman said she could provide a report if he has specific concerns. Reeve Woldanski added that both himself and the deputy reeve look at those credit card statements on a monthly basis. “I think we have a pretty robust system, but this is a good opportunity to look at it again,” said Singleton. Coun. Dave Diduck noted that one department has sig-
nificant expenditures. Coun. Woitas asked if the county had been burn’t with credit card charges by a disgruntled employee in the past? “Not since I’ve been here, and I’ve been here 13 years,” replied Hackman. Coun. Woitas said he would provide what information he had to Hackman and made the motion to direct administration to report on the credit card internal control processes and report back to council at the December council meeting.