City payroll tops $19 million

Kathy Michaels - Penticton Western News Published: July 02, 2009 6:00 PM

Those wondering who makes the big money in Penticton, should shift their gaze over to city hall. Of salaries paid in 2008, more than 14 of the city’s top staffers can boast a wage of over $100,000 before expenses, while 36 others make more than $75,000 annually. The city’s highest paid worker was administrator Leo den Boer, who pulled in $156,085. The next highest wage went to director of corporate services Jack Kler and director of development and engineering Mitch Moroziuk, who made just over $129,000 a piece. When all was said and done, the top 50 earners in this city cost about $14,236,286, with the total city payroll coming in at $19,007,961. Politician’s wages were more modest and councillors and the mayor raked in about $180,968 collectively.

According to Dennis Back, the current city administrator, local wages are about en par with municipal wages in like-sized cities such as Port Coquitlam, Campbell River and Kamloops — though Penticton is not the most lucrative place to go into public service. “Every three years we find out where we are relative to market and that’s something we are looking at right now,” he said. “We don’t compare favourably at all when we compare ourselves to Kelowna, but (it’s) a substantially bigger community. That is why the comparisons have to be relative.” While Back said local wages are standard if not slightly lagging behind, Coun. Dan Albas — who earlier lobbied for a city council pay cut — noted it is something that city council will look closely at as a means to address questions raised in the budgetary process.

“Some say to attract the best staff, we have to pay them the most. Personally I don’t buy into the argument,” said Albas. “I think people go to public service versus working in the private sector because they feel a sense of duty. They want to be fairly compensated, but to always be constantly raising wages? I don’t agree with that personally.” Albas went on to say that he’s aware of a recent report on business executive compensation over the last year, and in the private sphere Canadian CEOs are making about 10 per cent less than they did the year before. While matching what private-sector workers are paid is one way to look at the issue, Albas said that it’s not necessarily the most important. “The real argument is what’s the scope of working duties,” he said. “Penticton is a unique place, it’s neither a big city or a small town. It’s that awkward position in the middle. So I think it’s important that we are always looking at those things and we will get the best people if we pay fairly and have a great work environment.”

While there’s room for discussion on rates, one area the city falls behind is the proportion of women in its high paying ranks. Only five women were among the 50 employees who earned $75,000 or more in 2008. “We don’t hire on the basis of gender, we try to hire for the best person,” explained Back. “We like to advance females within the organization, and if we have a posting and they apply then we give them equal consideration. But we hire for who’s the best person for the job, not male or female. But we do try and encourage advancement for the organization, including women.” While Penticton currently has few women in managerial roles, that’s not necessarily an indication of how conditions are in other cities, and Back said in his time working for the City of Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver, he’s noticed a shift. “I can tell you that over the years there are more women that are being attracted to local government work, and advancing into managerial roles,” he said. “We are also attracting professionals who want to make a career in local government and advancing to senior ranks.”

GOVERNMENT RELEASES PUBLIC SECTOR COMPENSATION REPORTS

VICTORIA – The Province has released reports for the second consecutive year detailing the major elements of compensation for the top ranking/paid public sector executives in British Columbia.

The enhanced disclosure requirements apply to chief executive officers and the next four highest ranking/paid executives where these positions hold an annual base salary of $125,000 or more.These disclosures go beyond what is already reported under the Financial Information Act, because they include compensation elements not captured under the FIA.

This information is also posted on the webpage for the Public Sector Employers’ Council Secretariat, http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/psec/disclosure.htm.

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This is not the list for everyone making over $75,000 required under the Financial Information Act but just those making over $125,000. The full list are available at the websites of each different agency.

Interior Health Salaries Over $75,000 – Year ended March 31, 2008

Coldstream’s top earners revealed

Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 27, 2009 12:00 PM

The numbers are out on how many tax dollars ended up in the pockets of Coldstream politicians and top staffers. The top salaries paid in 2008 for elected officials ranged from $22,596 total remuneration including meeting stipends and $2,368 in expenses paid to former mayor Gary Corner to $721 paid to Coun. Gyula Kiss. Each politician is paid a set amount, and some made very little in 2008 considering they were only just elected in November. They are also paid a set amount for meetings attended and can claim expenses for out-of-town meetings. Garlick says those expenses depend on how many meetings and conferences are attended, which is generally up to the individual politician. “I think they’re good to go to but I don’t think you need to go every year,” said Garlick, who didn’t claim for many meetings and had zero expenses last year. Following Corner, the top earners were: former councillor Mary Malerby, former councillor Glen Taylor, Coun. Doug Dirk, Mayor Jim Garlick, Coun. Bill Firman, former councillor Carol Williams and councillors Maria Besso, Pat Cochrane and Richard Enns.Several employees also made the list of top paid positions (those earning $75,000 or more per year), including Michael Stamhuis, director of engineering services who is the current CAO, Craig Broderick, director of development services, and Bob Bibby, building official.

Former chief administrative officer Wendy Kay topped the list with a total remuneration of $113,850 plus $8,711 in expenses (which included vehicle allowance). Also included in the list is former director of financial administration Catherine Lord, making $96,812 and $4,613 in expenses. The consolidated total of other employees with pay and expenses of $75,000 or less for 2008 was $1.6 million plus $17,500 in expenses. Coldstream also paid out more than $20 million to suppliers in 2008, including $2.7 million to S.J. Pasechnik and Sons, the contractor of the new Coldstream and Lavington fire halls.

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Coldstream Annual Report: 2008 Annual Financial Report - 7.29MB PDF

2007 and 2006 Comparison figures can be found at: Coldstream Salaries for Staff and Council

Vernon Annual Report:2008 - 41.07MB 2007 - 3.07MB
City of Vernon Annual Report and financial statements for 2006

City getting its money's worth?

by Castanet Staff - Story: 47828 Jun 26, 2009 / 10:25 am

The City of Kelowna paid nearly $50 million in wages and expenses in 2008. That's close to $5 million more than was paid out in 2007. At the top of the pay scale is City Manager, Ron Mattiussi, who took home $250,520 in 2008, compared with a 2007 salary of $222,507. Strategic Initiatives Director, David Graham is next in line making $176,229, followed by Community Services GM, John Vos at $173,432, Corporate Sustainability GM, Paul Macklem earning $172,516 and Corporate Development Director, Rick Baker making $165,885. The wages of the top five earners are nearly 10% higher than they were the year previously.

In all, 142 employees with the City of Kelowna pull in yearly salaries of $75,000 or more. In 2007, just 122 employees were at or above the $75,000 threshold. We want to know if you think the City of Kelowna is getting the biggest bang for the taxpayer buck.

Poll Results at 7:00 AM June 27:

Question: Are Kelowna taxpayers getting the biggest bang for their buck?

Yes 117 No 723

Total Votes: 840

Payroll swells at City Hall

Ron Seymour 2009-06-25 Kelowna Daily Courier:

Salaries for senior managers at Kelowna City Hall rose an average of 6.5 per cent last year, newly released financial statements show. As well, the total number of city employees who earn more than $75,000 annually has nearly quadrupled in the past six years, from 41 in 2002 to 153 last year. “We have to be competitive with what other municipalities pay their staff,” Mayor Sharon Shepherd said Wednesday. “We‘re a growing city, and we need to attract good people and retain the expertise we have.” Top earner last year was city manager Ron Mattiussi, whose salary rose 12.6 per cent, to $250,520. The highest pay raise went to David Graham, the director of strategic initiatives, whose pay went up 13.7 per cent, to $176,000. Total pay for all city employees – union workers and managers – was $49.2 million, up 10 per cent from 2007. The increase reflects both pay raises for individual employees as well as the addition of new staff.

Salaries for the highest-paid managers at City Hall have risen about 45 per cent, on average, between 2002 and 2008. During the same period, average household income in the Central Okanagan rose 34 per cent, from $50,000 to $67,000, according to Invest Kelowna. However, in the past two years, median employment income in Kelowna has stagnated at about $26,600, Invest Kelowna says. Maureen Bader of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation said the increases granted to City of Kelowna employees are typical of other municipalities. “Right across the province, there‘s been a real spiralling out of control of municipal salaries,” Bader said. “In the private sector, if a firm‘s costs go out of control, the firm goes out of business. “But of course the government never goes out of business. It just raises your taxes,” she said.

Salaries and job responsibilities for senior city managers are reviewed by a consultancy, Hay Group, which compares their workload and pay with those of bureaucrats holding similar positions in comparably sized cities. The consultant then makes recommendation regarding pay increases for senior officials to city councillors. “Every year, council has that information put in front of it, and the majority have agreed to the recommended increases,” Shepherd said. Salaries for top city managers are lower than those paid to people who do similar jobs in organizations such as UBC, WorkSafe B.C., B.C. Hydro and provincial health authorities, Shepherd said.

By provincial law, all B.C. municipalities must publish the names and salaries of every employee making $75,000 or more annually. The threshold for publication used to be $50,000. The city is the third largest employer in Kelowna, after Interior Health and the school district, with about 800 staff.

By the numbers

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 23, 2009 7:00 PM

Now I’m not expecting the City of Vernon’s 2008 annual report to captivate the masses, but the document is certainly worth a peek. Particularly because much of the information either hasn’t been seen before or doesn’t generate headlines. Perhaps the most intriguing tidbit is a list of Vernon’s top 20 corporate taxpayers for 2008. Leading the pack was the Village Green Mall at $462,000, followed by the Smart Centre (Wal/Mart mall) at $281,000, Real Canadian Superstore at $207,000 and the northern portion of the Vernon Square Mall at $132,000. Rounding out the top five was Polson Place Mall at $102,000. Of the city’s total tax base last year, the top 20 corporations accounted for 10.4 per cent of the total.

So even with little industry, Vernon has made the shift away from a strictly residential base. And for those people who have decried the big boxes of the north end, consider that five of the 20 top taxpayers are from that area. Corporations aside, what would be interesting to see in next year’s annual report is a ranking of the highest residential property taxes. Given the extent of construction before the recession and the large houses perched on the hillsides or along lakes, some of those figures could be quite staggering. It would also be intriguing to know how many of the residential heavy-hitters are in the old city compared to Okanagan Landing, where assessments have skyrocketed and fire taxes restructured. Of course revenue also brings expenditures.

A whopping $15.7 million was spent on employees’ wages, expenses and allowances in 2008. But what will surprise many is that 41 individuals earned more than $75,000 each, with the range going from $75,132 to $139,753. Almost half of the 41 (19) were from the fire hall, while second place went to the administration and operations departments at six each. I’m not about to challenge salaries because city workers, by and large, work very hard and many of them have years of seniority. Also, competition for such individuals is intense so big bucks are required if the community wants to attract and retain a certain skill set. But at a time when so many taxpayers have been laid off or seen wages frozen, the growing number of well-paid bureaucrats seems somewhat out-of-touch with reality.

On the very last page, the annual report indicates that there’s 269 kilometres of roads in Vernon, although it doesn’t specify how many potholes there are or if that includes Alexis Park Drive, which is closed more than it’s open. There are also 263 kilometres of sanitary sewer mains, 1,432 fire hydrants and 39 signalized intersections. Missing was any mention of roundabouts. In the end, the annual report isn’t going to keep you up at night and you shouldn’t wait for the movie-of-the-week. But there’s enough inside to give you some inkling of what goes on at city hall.

RDCO directors see pay slide

Ron Seymour 2009-06-22 Kelowna Daily Courier:

Total pay for Central Okanagan regional district politicians went down 12 per cent last year, according to newly released financial information. Leading the downward way in pay was chairman Robert Hobson, who earned $41,210 in 2008, compared to $41,540 in 2007. Collectively, the board members and their designated alternates earned $217,64 last year, down from $247,844 in 2007. The directors‘ pay averaged about $16,000. The chief reason for the drop in pay relates to the incorporation of the new District Municipality of West Kelowna, which has assumed many governance functions formerly overseen by the regional district. As a result, the number of regional district employees who earned more than $75,000 dropped from 25 in 2007 to 17 last year. Top earner was former director of engineering Hilary Hettinga, who was paid $172,000. In 2007, Wayne d‘Easum, then chief administrative officer, was paid $261,000. He retired part way through 2008, so his salary last year was $168,000. Total staffing costs for the regional district fell from $11.3 million to $9.1 million. In 2007, the regional district did $27.4 million worth of business with suppliers of goods and services, but the comparable figure for last year was $18.6 million. By provincial law, all municipalities must publish the names and salaries of employees who earn more than $75,000 annually before the end of June. The City of Kelowna is to publish its list this week.

Public Input Annual Report Monday June 22 5:30 PM

Annual Reports:

• 2008 - 41.07MB
• 2007 - 3.07MB

Copies of the 2008 report are available at the Reception Desk at City Hall.

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.

Mayor stands by expanded staff

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 09, 2009 7:00 PM

Vernon’s mayor is defending a substantial increase in the number of taxpayer-funded staff. The city’s 2008 annual report shows there were 198 employees on the payroll last year, up from 183 in 2007 and 146 in 2005. “It’s all part of trying to provide the best service to citizens at the best dollar,” said Wayne Lippert, adding that residents have a certain level of expectation when it comes to the activities provided by the city. “People had an opportunity during the budget process to speak to us and we heard policing should be looked after.” The net cost of salaries, wages and benefits was $15.6 million in 2008, up from $13.7 million in 2007 and $11.7 million in 2005. “Council looks through the budget and is aware of the cost of employees,” said Lippert.

“The majority of employees are unionized and wages are part of a contract.” The city has also taken on economic development and tourism positions previously provided by the North Okanagan Regional District. The report also indicates that 41 employees earned more than $75,000 in salaries, expenses and allowances. Of those, 19 were from the fire hall. Remuneration for council members is also detailed, as well as companies that were paid for a variety of services.Other content in the report ranges from council’s 2009/10 objectives and updates on infrastructure projects to the city’s relationship with other jurisdictions. “It also includes our financial statements and information from our divisions,” said Kevin Bertles, finance manager.

The annual report will be the focus of a public input session June 22 at 5:30 p.m. and copies of the document are available at city hall.

2008 Annual Report on Line. PUBLIC INPUT June 22 at 5:30

Annual Reports

2008 - 41.07MB

This annual report is also available at the front desk of the City of Vernon for pickup.

Public Input Session on Monday,
June 22, 2009 at 5:30 pm in Council Chambers, City Hall.

COLDSTREAM ANNUAL REPORT

Copies of the report are available at the District office, 9901 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream, BC, Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and on the District's website:

• 2008 Annual Financial Report - 7.29MB PDF

DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM - 2008
SCHEDULE OF REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES P.34

2007 and 2006 Comparison figures can be found at:

Coldstream Salaries for Staff and Council

A snapshot of Earnings at City of Vernon 2005-2008.

Agenda Package - 7.71 MB (P.14-98) ANNUAL REPORT
Year over Year Increase In Earnings: (Year over year Total Increases are shown in chart and are slightly higher on a % basis.)

• 2008 12.138%
  
• 2007 12.487%
• 2006 6.857%

These total figures are from the Annual Reports for the last 4 years.
(Note that in 2005 that allowances and expenses were combined but are separated out for 2006 and 2007.) (The first row of numbers is for those employees that are making greater than $75,000 while the second row is for all other employees. )

Earnings increases are not necessarily because of wage or salary increases but also reflect service levels adjustment. The man years (or full time equivalents) are shown for the first time in the 2008 report.

2008 figures are from page 54 and page 82 of the Annual Report that will be released on Monday.

City Salaries, Expenses Up

Written by Peter McIntyre Friday, 05 June 2009 107.5 KISSFM:

Vernon's mayor says its the cost of running the city. In figures released today in the city's 2008 annual report, overall expenses went up 3 million dollars over the year before, including an extra two million for salaries and benefits. Mayor Wayne Lippert agrees its a big increase. He tells KISS FM, "It's always a concern because we're always looking at budgets and what's going on there, but we do have to operate the city. The wages that are there reflect the number of employees we've had to hire to fill the needs of the city." Lippert points out some of the increases are due to the city taking over the tourism and economic development functions from NORD. "Some of those positions are getting revenues back from our partners in Greater Vernon."

41 city staff were paid $75,000 or more last year, up from 27 in 2007. 19 of the 41 were with the Fire Rescue department.

Also released in the annual report, was the amount paid out to council members last year. Mayor Lippert had a salary of $61, 510, along with expenses of $3,563, which he says was for meetings and conferences. "We need to be able to go do things. A lot of those expenses are either going to UBCM to meet with (BC cabinet) ministers there, or travel back and forth to Victoria and Vancouver to meet with ministers." The three incumbent councillors re-elected last November, Patrick Nicol, Buffy Baumbrough and Jack Gilroy, were each paid 19,843 for their services. Baumbrough had expenses of $3,407, Gilroy: $1,822, and Nicol had no expenses. Former councillor Juliette Cunningham, who ran for mayor last November, had expenses of $2,350.

Click HERE to view the 2008 annual report.

City of Vernon Council Agendas Monday June 8

COW MEETING: 8:40 AM
June 08, 2009 - 203Kb
Agenda Package - 7.71 MB

• B. BEARDSELL PRESENTATION - VARIOUS INITIATIVES AT REGIONAL DISTRICT OF NORTH OKANAGAN AND THE CITY OF VERNON (P.10)
  
• 2008 ANNUAL REPORT (P. 14)
  

Regular Meeting 1:30 PM
June 8 Agenda - 197Kb
Agenda Package - 23 MB

• DELEGATION - KERRY BOKENFOHR & JERILYNN KIELY - COSMETIC PESTTCTDES (P. 32)
• VERNON FIRE RESCUE SERVICES REVIEW, BUSINESS PLAN 2009.2013 - STAFF RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INPUT/INFORMATION
• VERNON FIRE RESCUE SERVTCES POLICIES (P. 74) G. THAT Council approves the Fire Rescue Response Policy; AND FURTHER, that the Fire Rescue Administrative Guideline be received for information.
• 2009 DCC UPDATE: SUMMARY OF RESPONSES FROM PUBLIC CONSULTATION FOR TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT PROJECTS
• GATEWAY CASINOS & ENTERTAINMENT INC. - APPLICATION FOR LIQUOR PRIMARY LICENCE AT IOO -4900 ANDERSON WAY (P.147)
  
  

City wins financial report award

CASTANET:
The City of Kelowna's 2007 Annual Financial Report has earned the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting for the sixth year in a row. Presented by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, the award recognizes excellence in governmental accounting and financial reporting. “This award represents a significant accomplishment by our financial reporting staff,” says Keith Grayston, Financial Services Director. “It demonstrates that we are clearly communicating the City’s financial story to our residents on an ongoing basis.” The Canadian Review Committee judged 2007 Annual Financial Report to meet the high standards of the awards program, which are designed to encourage clarity and full disclosure in government financial communications. Copies of the 2007 Annual Financial Report are available at all Kelowna branches of the Okanagan Regional Library, at City Hall and online. The 2008 Annual Financial Report will be available in June 2009.
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Vernon Annual Report for 2007 2007 - 3.07MB
Kelowna Annual REport for 2007

• 2007 Annual Financial Report