Conflicting views spur debate over city hall office expenses

There's growing confusion at Toronto City Hall over whether Coun. Rob Ford is required to spend taxpayers' money.

On Monday, Ford was admonished for using his own funds to pay for office expenses.

Mayor David Miller saidFord must use public money, but other city officials say the opposite.

At the heart of the matter is whether Ford is allowed to use his own money.

The councillor says he, and many others, are confused by city regulations.

"I don't understand it and I'm not taking that chance of submitting my receipts and having the taxpayers pay for it," said Ford.

Miller insists public money must be used, to avoid improper influence.

"Developers, contractors, people like that could easily be giving money to members of council for these purposes. That's why we have the rules," the mayor said on Monday.

It seems, however, the rules are not clear.

On Wednesday, the mayor's office acknowledged the council policy is contradictory.

There was also a news release issued by city officials, saying Ford could use his own money as long as he shows receipts.

Ford says he's never been able to get a straight answer and refuses to file his receipts, because he's afraid city hall will insist on reimbursing him.

"The policy specifically says, in black and white… that it must be paid for through your office budget and then they send out a press release the next day saying that's not true. Well I'm not going to take that chance," said Ford.

Ford could face a 90-day suspension of pay for refusing to use public money on his office, while at the same time being told he isn't actually breaking any rules.