Expenses defended

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 18, 2009 6:00 PM

North Okanagan Regional District politicians are defending their salaries. NORD’s 2008 annual report shows $287,756 was handed out in remuneration and expenses for 28 elected officials who sit on the regional board or committees. Leading the pack was former chairman Jerry Oglow at $34,416, followed by Herman Halvorson, rural Enderby director and current chairman at $33,480. “I’m busy with meetings. All of it is legitimate and goes through the checks and balances of the regional district,” said Halvorson. Halvorson says considerable time is spent representing his constituents and NORD at various meetings and remuneration also covers expenses like gas. “We get sort of compensated but I also volunteer time here and there,” he said. In third place was rural Lumby director Rick Fairbairn at $33,214.“I’m involved with a number of committees,” said Fairbairn when asked about his remuneration.

In terms of employees, $5.8 million in wages and expenses were paid out to all NORD staff in 2008. Of that, 21 individuals earned more than $75,000 each. Former administrator Brian Reardon took home $153,819 in wages and expenses while current administrator Greg Betts received $131,892. In third place was Al McNiven, Greater Vernon parks and recreation manager, at $113,620. Halvorson stands by the wages, saying a certain level of compensation is needed to retain and attract employees to NORD as well as draw a specific skill base. “Staff remuneration is comparable with everyone else in the province,” he said.The 2008 annual report also identifies $39.6 million was paid to suppliers for a variety of services, including $60,245 to Black Press, owner of The Morning Star.