Press Release - Town Of Markham Council Approves Hiring Auditor General

October 17, 2007... At Last week's Council meeting, Town of Markham Councillors approved the hiring of an Auditor General for an intial two-year full time contact. The Auditor General will be responsible for assisting Council in holding itself and its administrators accountable for the quality of stewardship over public funds and for achievement of value for money in municipal operators. The Auditor General will report to Council on a quarterly basis.

"This is an important position that will help us ensure that the Town's operations are being managed as effectibely as possible. While I believe Town of Markham staff are among the very best in Canada, I also believe an independent perspective can help us identify ways in which we can do an even better job for Town residents," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "This new position is really all about ensuring added value for taxpayers dollars.

The Auditor General postion, added to Ontario's Municipal Act in 2006, has broad powers. For example:

- the municipality, its local boards and municipally-controlled corporations shall provide the Auditor General any information he or she believes is necessary to perform his or her duties.

-the Auditor General is entitled to free access to anything necessary to perform his or her duties.

- the Auditor General may examine any person on oath on any matter pertinent to an audit examination.

Markham will be among the first Ontario municipalities to hier an Auditor General. An Interview Committee comprised of Mayor Frank Scarpitti; Chair of the Finance Committe Councillor Joe Virgillo; and chair of the Budget Sub-Committee Councillor Dan Horchik has been established to select the Town of Markham Auditor General.