Lanark County makes decision on future county investigations

Lanark County is deferring all future closed meeting investigations to the Ontario Ombudsman’s Office.

Previously the county had legal firm Aird and Berlis LLP as their investigators, but have decided not to renew the contract for the new year.

It’s largely a cost-saving measure as the Ombudsman’s office doesn’t charge the county or the individual for the investigation, while also giving the results some legitimacy, says councilor Bill King.

Clerk Jasmin Ralph was asked what kind of punishments the county could face if they do find themselves in violation of the policy

A closed session during the August 16th community services committee meeting was investigated earlier this year and while it was wrapped up swiftly and the county was cleared of any wrongdoing, it came at an unrecoverable cost of about $10,000.

Related: Investigator finds Lanark County didn’t contravene Municipal Act around closed session meeting, but issues caution