Maitland councillors spent almost $40,000 in the last financial year on items including clothing, childcare and travel, a recent report has revealed.
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Cr Robert Aitchison was the biggest spender raking up $7544.32 on professional development, telecommunications and stationery, travel and subsistence.
Cr Ben Mitchell spent the least with only $337.30 spent on telecommunications and stationery.
While the incumbent councillors notched up their expenses for the full financial year, the new officers only spent from their starting date in September after the election.
Four councillors claimed professional development expenses associated with attending forums and conferences. The maximum yearly amount claimable to each councillor is $4750 and $7750 for the mayor. However incidental expenses of up to $50 per day can be claimed for attending conferences, seminars or training courses.
Telecommunications and stationery includes costs for fixed lines, mobile telephones and data, as well as toner, paper and business cards. Council allows claims of up to $120 per month for landlines (mayor $140 per month and deputy mayor $130 per month) and up to $100 per month for mobile phones.
Childcare and carer expenses (up to $2750 a year) are listed. Councillors Nicole and Philip Penfold were the only councillors to make a claim. They claimed $2460 and $855 respectively.
Councillors are also supplied with: iPad, printer, shared car parking, access to secretarial support, photocopiers, telephones, PCs and postage, safety equipment, meals after meetings and official ceremonies. The mayor is provided with: Office, executive support, car, fuel card and parking space.
