City opens up CAO's contract to public scrutiny

It took more than a year and a half before Winnipeggers learned thatformer CAO Phil Sheeglgot a$250,000 severance package after he resigned from the city in October 2013, just days before the release of a scathing audit into the fire hall land swap deal.

• Former City of Winnipeg CAO Phil Sheegl was paid $250K in 2014

AndWinnipeggerswill have to wait nearly the same amount of time to find out what sort of severance, if any, former acting CAODeepakJoshireceived after being suspended and eventually resigning in early 2015.

But when it comes to DougMcNeil, the current City of Winnipeg CAO, the terms of his employment are available right now posted on the city'swebsite.

• Click here to see a copy of the contract

Mayor Brian Bowman said he made the request to McNeil.

"It was his decision to make it public.It was something I asked him if he would be interested in doing and he made the decision to post it," said Bowman

The move is being praised by a long-time city hall observer.

"It's the public's money. So there is a good principle in government that the public should have the right to know how its government and politicians are spending public funds," said Colin Craig, director of strategic communications at the Manning Centre in Calgary.

Dissecting the deal

McNeil's annual salary is $240,000 a year plus$700 per month for car allowance. His parking is covered under the contract.

In the event that the city firesMcNeilfor cause, he gets nothing.

If he is fired without cause, he gets a year's salary plus 12 per cent top up to cover lost benefits like dental plan and pension.

If he quits, he must give twomonths notice to EPC and he gets paid out for any unused vacation days.

McNeilis entitled to seven weeks of vacation and leave.

One thing not stipulated is what happens if the CAO resignssuddenlyas was the case with Sheegl and Joshi.

"This contract does not outline plans for a resignation effective immediately, and therefore would be dealt with at the time, should that ever occur," wrote a city spokesperson.

Bowman calls the disclosure a positive move.

"I think it is reflectiveofgreateropennessandtransparencyweareworking toward in city hall," he saidbefore thankingMcNeilfor making his contractpublic.