Council members scrutinize spending

Costa Mesa City Council members may soon have less discretion over

how to spend their yearly allotments of city money, after two council

members questioned Councilwoman Katrina Foley’s spending.

Other than the municipal code and state laws, no specific policies

govern how council members can spend the $2,000 in discretionary

funds they get each year. The money is generally used for

conferences, training, cellphones and similar expenses.

Mayor Allan Mansoor and Councilman Eric Bever raised their

eyebrows after seeing a recent monthly report showing that Foley

donated some of her money to local organizations including schools

and Little League groups.

“The way I see it, it’s supposed to be used for something directly

related to council, for example going to a seminar or some type of

education, “ Mansoor said.

“Some of these other expenditures are simply donations and gifts

of public funds, so that raises concern to me.”

Bever, who requested an investigation of Foley’s spending, said

that in the past, most council members have understood the money is

intended for council members’ education.

“I think member Foley is taking some creative liberties in the

absence of clear-cut guidelines,” he said.

Foley said her expenditures aren’t out of line, and she even

checked with City Manager Allan Roeder to make sure before writing

the checks.

“If they don’t like the way that the policy right now is

implemented, fine -- put it on the agenda. But don’t try to make me

look like I did something wrong,” Foley said.

So far in 2005, Mansoor has not spent any of his funds.

Councilwoman Linda Dixon spent $12.50 and Councilman Gary Monahan

spent $50 on events.

Bever spent $1,465.57 on a conference and cellphone. Foley has

spent $1,589.30 on wireless service for a city-issued computer and

donations to school and community groups.

A report to the council showed some cities, including Newport

Beach and Dana Point, allot money to council members for community

groups or projects, but the full council can veto those spending

requests. Several other Orange County cities don’t give money to

individual council members.

Council members will discuss discretionary spending at a study

session Tuesday. If they decide to clarify their policies, an

ordinance would be discussed at a future council meeting.

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* ALICIA ROBINSON covers government and politics. She may be

reached at (714) 966-4626 or by e-mail at

o7alicia.robinson@latimes.comf7.