Councillor wants township reimbursed for probe into Cowan’s double-billing

Woolwich Township Mayor Todd Cowan speaks with CTV on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013. (CTV Kitchener)

A Woolwich Township councillor is calling for Mayor Todd Cowan to reimburse taxpayers the money spent investigating cases where the mayor billed expenses to multiple governmental organizations.

“It’s been his wrongdoing that we’ve had to investigate,” said Coun. Mark Bauman.

“In order to substantiate the claims that were brought forward, we’ve had to hire a lawyer. That’s what’s cost the township and the region.”

The two levels of government have spent a combined $25,000 investigating the expense claims of Cowan, who says he billed nearly $2,800 worth of mileage and conference expenses to both organizations.

Township officials say they have found an additional $465.52 in mileage claims that may have been submitted to both them and the Grand River Conservation Authority.

Both issues have been forwarded to Waterloo Regional Police.

“We are asking the police to check into if there’s any criminal intent. We’re not experts in that,” said Bauman.

A police spokesperson said Wednesday that the criminal investigation into the case is still in its early stages.

Reached by CTV News, Cowan declined to address Bauman’s comments.

“I’d rather not comment on that right now, because there is an investigation going on,” he said.

Cowan faces three challengers in the Oct. 27 municipal election, while Bauman was the only person to register to run for the Ward 2 council seat.