Wages decrease at NORD office

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 17, 2010 6:00 PM

There was a slight decrease in employee compensation at the North Okanagan Regional District. The 2009 financial report indicates that $5.5 million was paid out in wages and expenses to all staff in 2009, with 23 individuals earning more than $75,000. That compares to $5.8 million for all staff and 21 people earning more than $75,000 in 2008. “We didn’t go up like some municipalities,” said Herman Halvorson, NORD chairman. “I feel we’re being responsible and holding the line.” Halvorson admits there may be a public perception of tax dollars going to high wages at the regional district, but he says the agency is serving the needs of residents. “If they demand services, you have to pay for the services.” Enderby director Dee Wejr also defends the compensation structure. “A lot of people look at the wages and say, ‘Wow,’ but in order to keep good people here, you have to pay the going rate,” she said. “So many senior administrators will be retiring over the next few years, and we will have to pay a premium for anyone with experience.”

Of those employees earning more than $75,000 in 2009, administrator Greg Betts led the pack at $173,166 — $164,881 in pay and $8,285 in expenses. His remuneration included a payout for three weeks of vacation. Next was David Sewell, finance general manager, at $122,391 in salary and expenses. Rounding out the top five are parks and recreation general manager Al McNiven at $121,835, former corporate officer Jody Anderson at $113,879 and Rob Smailes, planning and building general manager, at $112,197.

Vernon director Jack Gilroy doesn’t believe employee remuneration is out of line. “You have to pay a certain salary to get them,” he said, adding that the board is cognizant of where the money originates from. “We have to put people in place to get things done and that’s being responsible with tax dollars too.”