Mayor Joe Fontana is now publicly disputing a media report that he used taxpayer dollars to cover the cost of his son’s 2005 wedding.

“My preliminary review of the documents and financial statements currently available to me clearly indicates a personal payment made to the Marconi Club during the time frame in question,” Fontana said in a statement issued Sunday afternoon.

The mayor started his review Friday after a media report claimed government cheques paid the nearly $20,000 tab at the club. Fontana was serving as the MP for London North Centre in 2005.

Fontana said his request for documents cited in the report have been “refused” and that he’s “contacted the appropriate institutions for copies of required material,” the Sunday statement read.

The mayor promised to keep the public up to speed as his investigation unfolds, noting that updates are being posted on his website, mayorfontana.ca.

This is a serious matter; however, it will not impede nor affect my work as Mayor of London. This remains my priority and chief obligation. - Mayor Joe Fontana in a media release

In a statement issued Friday, Fontana said he’s “confident a thorough and fair review will clearly demonstrate all transactions were proper and valid.”

“I will not respond to questions based on anonymous sources, rumours or speculation,” that statement read. “I will deal with the facts and authenticated documents in a timely manner and with all due diligence.”