Keep in contact costs soar

SOUTHERN Downs ratepayers forked out more than $65,000 last financial year on council expenses, mobile devices and vehicle reimbursement.
Cr Vic Pennisi lead the charge, claiming $1200 on mobile phone costs, $18,802.50 on vehicle reimbursement and $1469.73 for other expenses, including mandatory and discretionary training, travel costs, accommodation, meals and transfer expenses.
The Stanthorpe-based councillor defended the hefty total, saying it took 133km just for a trip to Warwick and being an elected representative was his only form of personal income.
Councillors Cameron Gow, Jo McNally and Jamie Mackenzie chose not to claim any phone or vehicle reimbursement.
Cr Gow said unlike other councillors, he had other forms of income outside of council.
Meanwhile, councillors could be about to award themselves a 2.3 per cent pay rise from 1 July.
The raise is the maximum recommended by the Local Government Remuneration and Discipline Tribunal and is in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Councillors are expected to vote on the recommendation early this year.