North Bay city council has decided to withhold Mayor Peter Chirico’s pay for 60 days due to improper use of his corporate credit card. An investigation by the city’s integrity commissioner revealed that he had charged more than $17,000 for personal expenses, including hockey tickets, golf memberships, and family meals categorized as “city business.”
Although Chirico reimbursed the city and claimed it was understood that he would do so, the integrity commissioner determined that $5,500 of the expenses breached the code of conduct. City councillor Mark King expressed disappointment during the meeting, stating, “The general public can witness the emotions running high at this table. The ordeal that this council has been through is, to me, reprehensible.”
King acknowledged genuine concerns within North Bay regarding the mayor’s spending, questioning whether public trust could be restored. While stripping Chirico of 60 days’ pay could show the public that action was taken, councillor Jamie Lowery initially proposed a 90-day salary deduction, emphasizing the need for a rational decision-making process free of emotional influences.
Furthermore, concerns were raised by councillor Justine Mallah regarding the tarnished reputation of the City of North Bay and the impact on staff morale. Mallah emphasized the necessity of rebuilding the trust that citizens place in their local government.
Despite arguments from councillor Gary Gardiner advocating for a lighter penalty, city council rejected a 90-day suspension and eventually settled on a 60-day pay withholding with a 6-4 vote. Councillor Tanya Vrebosch highlighted the need for an independent third-party investigation into the mayor’s spending but was advised to bring forth the motion at the next council meeting to avoid further media attention.