KIRKLAND LAKE - A temporary integrity commissioner has been appointed for the Town of Kirkland Lake.
M. Harold G. Elston was appointed as the interim integrity commissioner at Kirkland Lake council's meeting yesterday (Jan. 24). He'll be in the role until a permanent integrity commissioner is found.
In December, DPRA Canada provided notice that the town’s appointed integrity commissioner was retiring. The town's contract ended on Jan. 19.
“Further to council’s direction at its last meeting, the City of Temiskaming Shores has since formally resolved to share its integrity commissioner services with the Town of Kirkland Lake until such time as the town’s formal procurement process is completed and a new integrity commissioner is appointed by council,” clerk Jennifer Montreuil wrote in a report.
Elston’s interim services proposal reports an hourly rate of $400 plus HST with no retainer, plus other expenses for all duties and services related to the appointment.
Fees are only incurred on ‘a upon’ request basis, Montreuil said.
“Integrity commissioner services are budgeted annually through Corporate Services’ portion of the town’s operational budget. In 2023, $10,000 was budgeted. As administration awaits final invoices from DPRA Canada for the balance of the month of November and December, total expenses currently amount to approximately $2,300,” Montreuil wrote in the report.
“Based on the proposed temporary services agreement, administration does not foresee any material changes to 2024 budget should the interim appointment be approved. Depending on the fees of the successful proponent from the RFP process, the budget may be adjusted slightly to reflect same.”
