The Village of Cremona held its first council meeting since losing its mayor and deputy mayor in March.
The meeting was held May 28 and covered a variety of issues facing the village. The 2012 independent auditor’s report was also presented during the meeting, as was a newly assigned official administrator for the village.
Eric McGhan replaced temporary administrator Darryl Joyce and released a notice informing Cremona residents of Municipal Affairs’ decision.
McGhan said in the notice that he intends to be in and around the village at least two days each week to learn about the community and the issues on the minds of residents.
Over the next six months, McGhan is tasked with ensuring the village operates legally, operationally and financially; prepare for October’s municipal election; make sure the new council conducts an organizational meeting; provide an orientation for the new council regarding duties and expectations; and provide reports to the minister of Municipal Affairs on Cremona’s activities.
Chief administrative officer (CAO) Terry Loftstom has also agreed to continue his role on a part-time basis until Oct. 31, 2013.
The 2012 audit was presented by Endeavor Chartered Accountants, and according to the auditor’s ‘opinion’ on the report, Cremona’s consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects, the village’s financial position, its operations, change in its net financial assets and its cash flows.
As of Dec. 31, 2012, Cremona’s accumulated surplus sat at $4,553,340, with a $3,408,878 accumulated surplus at the beginning of the year.
Employer wages and benefits were higher than the originally budgeted $272,600, ringing in at $318,954.
Councillor salary and benefits went down from 2011. Mayor Leslie Abrams earned $5,565, down from the previous year’s mayoral income of $7,022. Deputy mayor Melinda Whittle made $3,415, $1,050 less than the year before and councillor Karel Beckman was paid $2,325, down from $3,219 the previous year.
The CAO’s salary and benefits went up slightly, from $105,547 in 2011 to $110,239 in 2012.
Four additional council meetings are scheduled to take place prior to the municipal election; June 25, Aug. 27, Sept. 24 and Oct. 15.
Anyone wishing to make a formal presentation to council can do so by registering with the village office the Wednesday prior to the meeting date. McGhan said he would do his best to include such presentations on the council agenda.
