Councillors spending concerns colleague

Ruddy Mathison, Gleaner Writer

COUNCILLOR for the Lorrimers division in the Trelawny Parish Council, Paul Patmore, says some councillors have not been spending funds allotted in the budget in their divisions.

Patmore was referencing a report from the council's finance committee, which showed that funds allocated to some divisions for drain cleaning, minor road repairs and bushing of verges were not spent.

"I would wish that councillors would spend time and read the superintendent report from the finance committee meeting and see the amount of money that remains unspent. I wonder if councillors involved are storing up these funds to fight future elections," Patmore said.

He was speaking last Tuesday during a sitting of the council. But Phillip Service, councillor for the Martha Brae division, demanded an instant retraction from Patmore.

Mayor Garth Wilkinson also urged Patmore to withdraw the statement. Patmore acceded to the request after Lavern Morrison, the deputy superintendent, said the unspent funds represent money that was budgeted for work that was already done.