Auburn Council: Huge expenses bills while ratepayers cough up $500,000

DOOMED Auburn councillors claimed $500,000 in ratepayer-funded expenses last year — an increase of 54 per cent in just three years.

Carl Trad with Auburn Deputy Mayor, Salim Mehajer

DOOMED Auburn councillors claimed $500,000 in ratepayer-funded expenses last year — an increase of 54 per cent in just three years.

Auburn’s 10 councillors, who are all facing imminent suspension and likely dismissal ahead of a public inquiry into the council’s planning decisions, racked up $495,683 in allowances, fees and expenses in 2015 — up from $320,752 in 2011.

“Councillor expenses have remained reasonably consistent, however, some differences occur from year to year,” a council spokesman said.

“It should be noted that the expenses include the costs of council meetings and the ever increasing demands of a ­diverse community.”

Suspended Deputy Mayor Salim Mehajer has announced plans to revive his political ­career by running for the new local authority due to be formed out of the planned Auburn-Holroyd council merger.

“Yes, I will run again for the new council,” the Ferrari-driving property developer said.

Mr Mehajer was last week suspended from civic duties for four months — without council pay or perks — after failing to declare ownership of a building that rocketed $1 million in value after Auburn Council ­rezoned the land around it.

If the rest of Auburn’s councillors are, as expected, suspended in coming days they will be immediately stripped of all fees, allowances and payments.

An appeal against the suspension was received by Local Government Minister Paul Toole yesterday.

Auburn councillors have been able to claim up to 90 per cent of privately-owned, capped mobile phone plans and $100-a-month for home broadband — adding ­almost $15,000 to last year’s expenses bill.

By comparison, between 2011 and 2015, fees and allowances at neighbouring Holroyd Council have fallen nearly 1 per cent since 2012.

Parramatta’s fees and allowances have risen 35 per cent over the same period, but there was a $370,000 fall in the council’s bill last year. Bankstown Council’s fees and allowances have increased 12 per cent.

Despite the expenses and ­allowances available to Auburn councillors, its rates are still among the cheapest in Sydney.