Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 22, 2010 7:00 PM
Enderby’s mayor admits that council salaries are a contentious issue. Financial documents have been released indicating income and expenses for the city’s politicians for 2009. “Public perception is always a concern. The taxpayers pay it,” said Mayor Dee Wejr. “If we’re going to increase taxes to pay council more, you’re not comfortable with that. But you need to pay a certain level to attract people (to office).” In 2009, employment income — including an expense allowance — amounted to $62,479 for the seven council members. That compares to $58,269 for 2008.
Leading the pack for last year was Wejr, at $15,309. Among the councillors, Brad Case was at $8,191, while it was $7,951 for Howie Cyr, $8,371 for Beryl Ludwig, $7,951 for Greg McCune, $7,171 for Earl Shipmaker and $7,531 for Tony Vetter. Wejr says no one enters politics for the money, and while community service is the goal, the reality is that serving on council interrupts private careers and family lives. She also points out that the workload is considerable, including reading documents. “You have to go over things and absorb it and it takes time,” she said.Outside of the employment income and allowance, council members were compensated for some expenses. They amounted to $2,231 for Case, $2,161 for Cyr, $1,348 for Ludwig, $1,700 for McCune and $1,710 for Wejr. There were no claims from Shipmaker or Vetter.
Financial documents have also been released for the city’s staff. In terms of wages over $75,000, chief administrative officer Barry Gagnon was at $96,314, while director of engineering Darwyn Kutney was at $93,314 and treasurer Geri Ferguson received $82,910. In 2008, only Kutney received more than $75,000 — $87,022. In 2009, there were nine employees that were paid less than $75,000 a year. The total for them was $445,933. “We’re paying for experience and knowledge. And it’s a competitive market out their for staff,” said Wejr of the compensation levels.Wejr says the city did a survey recently and employee remuneration is considered average when compared to other municipalities of a similar size.
2 comments:
During what election has a candidate ever stated that he is entitled to a specific renumeration?
Isn't this guy the one that got the golden handshake at the regional district($500,000) and now with local government he is earning $96,000. How much of a clawback was there re the golden handshake?
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