The Town of St. Paul replied to a request from Elections Alberta for documents regarding donations to political fundraisers since 2004 in a letter sent last week.
Town council approved donations totaling $3,775 between 2005 and 2011 to sponsor holes and council members or Town staff to attend golf tournaments, as well as funding for a premier's supper last year.
Donations to political parties are not permitted under the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act.
The Town of St. Paul has paid the Progressive Conservative constituency association for golf tournament fundraisers annually since 2005, exempting 2010, according to documents provided to Elections Alberta.
Council sponsored a hole-in-one for Ray Danyluk's golf tournament in 2005 for $125. In 2006, the Town sponsored a hole-in-one at $150 and paid the green fees for four golfers at $100 each for a total of $550. In 2007 and 2008, council paid for four golfers to attend for $400 each year. In 2009, council sponsored a hole and a team for $700. This year, council sponsored a team at $500, which the local association returned to the Town in October.
Council sponsored the centerpieces for former Premier Ed Stelmach's supper at $200 and purchased 18 tickets at $50 each for $900 for VIPs to attend. Mayor and council purchased their own ticket, the letter states.
All funds for golfing came out of the public relations account and councillors who attended did not receive an honourarium.
Council defeated a motion to pay an honourarium to attend golfing events in October, which made the policy that councillors will pay their own way when attending political events, the letter adds.
