By TERRY PUGH

Warman elected officials now have more choice when it comes to electronic equipment used for city council-related communications.

Warman city council voted at a meeting on Monday, January 13 to adopt a new policy regarding the city’s Information Technology (IT) allowance.

Under the new policy, the mayor and councillors receive a maximum allowance of $2,000 (including taxes) to purchase their own tablet, iPad, or laptop “to assist with the duties of their position over the four-year term.”

Councillors are responsible for purchasing the equipment of their own choice, and submitting the receipt to the city’s finance department, within a specified period of time after the municipal election. The city will then reimburse the councillor.

Under the previous policy, the city purchased standard iPads and accessories for the use of the mayor and councillors. The iPads and accessories provided by the city remained city property and were returned to the city at the end of the councillor’s time on council.

Under the new policy, councillors will be reimbursed by the city after they purchase their own equipment. They may purchase the equipment from the city for $100 at the end of their four-year term on council provided they remove all confidential information relating to the City of Warman from the equipment; and also email the City Clerk a declaration to that effect.

The new policy also states that if a member of council leaves their position prior to the end of their four-year term, and if they wish to keep their equipment, they will be required to repay, on a pro-rated basis, the portion of the IT allowance they are no longer entitled to. The amount owing will be deducted from the councillor’s last monthly indemnity claim. They must also remove all confidential information relating to the City of Warman from the equipment.