And of course it has to be "approved" by the cong from the stage - which was a joke. All approved? Anyone not approve we pay this?
Actually that has changed in the last few years, at least in the US.
Per a BOE letter, it no longer requires a congregation resolution to pay the COs expenses - it is just done. He's still supposed to give his receipts to the BOE, but the R&F members of the congregation no longer have a say in spending the money.
Of course, as you noted, it was always passed unanimously anyway, but at least the congregation felt somewhat connected. No more.