It's shocking to learn that Port Coquitlam water main work on Burns Road cost 30% more than was budgeted and that Coquitlam's estimates for its 125th anniversary celebrations are close to $1 million.
But after discussions at public meetings, bureaucrats and politicians promised to make changes or review expenses.
Thank goodness local reporters were on hand to hear about these developments because if they weren't, much of this information would be shrouded in meeting minutes and the public would likely never know.
Meanwhile, over at school board, there is less transparency, even though more effort is being made since heavy deficits were built up, to give more details about how a surplus is being spent. Although more could be done, it's a start.
When it comes to finances, the more the public knows, the better because governments — and politicians — are then held accountable.
