Mission taxpayers will be footing the legal bill for Coun. Jenny Stevens when police seized her computer last year as part of their investigation into leaked confidential council information.
Coun. Larry Nundal initiated the move and asked his council to support it Monday night. There was little discussion and the motion received unanimous approval. Stevens left council chambers during this discussion and did not participate in the vote.
"Council should indemnify Coun. Stevens in respect to her legal costs associated to legal advice she sought in reaction to an RCMP investigation in 2011 in the amount of $2,000 from the legal reserve account," said Nundal.
Coun. Dave Hensman added what happened to Stevens was "inappropriate" and the community should "exonerate" her and thank her for her service to the community.
Stevens, who had heard everything from the speakers in the lobby, was grateful for the relief.
"Thank you all enormously," she said when she returned to the council table. "It's not something I looked to ever happen."
Police seized Stevens' and former councillor Ron Taylor's computers in May 2011 as they investigated an alleged breach of trust and alleged breach of the Community Charter. The machines were eventually returned and no charges were laid.