Rising salaries draw concern

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - June 11, 2008

A veteran Vernon politician believes city hall salaries are getting out of hand. The city’s 2007 annual report shows that 250 employees received $13.8 million in wages last year, as well as $56,850 in allowances and $153,941 in expenses. “I don’t have concerns about the individuals involved because we have good staff. But I have concerns about the direction of local government,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell. Beardsell says that from the previous council in 2005 to the current council, wages and expenses for employees have increased 20 per cent through the hiring of more staff or rate increases. “When you try and talk about it, everyone jumps to the defense. There is a limit to what the taxpayer can afford,” he said. Mayor Wayne Lippert, though, defends employee remuneration. “The market is calling for that to get employees with capabilities into those positions,” he said, adding that city salaries have been reviewed compared to other communities. “We’re not at the top. We’re at the low-middle end of things.” Lippert points out that the city has lost some staff and wages must keep pace to retain them.

“These people spent time getting educated for their jobs. We need to have good people.” Lippert acknowledges that staff positions are funded by taxpayers’ dollars, but he says that there is a need for employees to provide services residents require or demand. According to the 2007 annual report, there were 27 employees that earned more than $75,000 for a total of $2.2 million. Collectively, they had allowances of $39,094 and expenses of $71,559. Topping the list was Leon Gous, chief administrative officer, with a salary of $124,368. He had allowances of $4,528 and expenses of $8,119. In second place was Marg Bailey, deputy chief administrative officer, with a wage of $106,729, no allowances and $5,545 in expenses. The 2007 annual report also highlights fees the city paid to various businesses and jurisdictions for services.Among them was $75,231 for Black Press, which owns The Morning Star.