Coun. Rob Ford is not complying with Toronto city council policy because he is not disclosing how much he spends out of his own pocket for office supplies, according to a review by the city's auditor and integrity commissioner.
Ford, who represents Etobicoke North, prides himself on being the most frugal councillor. Last year he spent $0 of his allowed $53,000 annual budget allowance.
The blank expense sheet caught the eye of the city's executive committee in May, who asked the lack of spending be investigated.
In a joint report that will be discussed by the executive committee next week, Integrity Commissioner David Mullan and Auditor General Jeff Griffiths say Ford is breaking the city's code of conduct for his nondisclosure on office supplies purchases on items such as envelopes and business cards.
"It's my personal money that I spend use on my office, like toner cartridge for the copier. You only use one, maybe two of those a year," Ford told CTV News on Tuesday.
The councillor, for example, says he uses his own money to pay for flyers and mail-outs, using his family's printing business.
Council had also requested the spending watchdogs look at the minimal expenses claimed by Coun. Doug Holyday, another well-known penny-pincher.
Holyday submitted office expenses of only $1,471 last year.
The expense report concluded Holyday is not breaking city policy, but noted the councillor should be handing in his mileage expenses.
Holyday said he doesn't claim mileage because the figure is so small, it's not worth reporting.
The expense probe has angered both Ford and Holyday, who say taxpayers' dollars could be better spent.
The pair say instead of focusing on councillors who spend little, the review should zero in on those who spend most or their entire $53,000 budget.
Ford lists the expense claims of councillors on his website, which shows purchases include everything from packs of gum, to fast-food meals to expensive lunches with staff.
With a report from CTV's Naomi Parness
