Mayor Allan Alls and four councillors were paid a total of $127,335 in remuneration in 2016, an increase of $26,000 over 2015.
A March 21 report indicated the hike was not due to a large increase in pay, but instead linked to the disclosure of council benefits.
“In efforts to be more open and transparent, we are disclosing benefits starting 2016,” explained director of finance Ursula D’Angelo.
“Council benefits were not reported in 2015 and were paid out.”
Alls received $26,500 in salary (up $500 from 2015), $3,562 for expenses, including conferences, and $346 in benefits.
“Council I want to point out to you that the mayor being old does not cost you anything in health benefits,” joked Alls.
Councillors received an increase of $300 to their base salary. Payments for the councillors were:
– John Brennan: base pay of $15,900, $4,286 for expenses and $4,057 in benefits, for a total of $24,244;
– Jeff Duncan: base pay of $15,900, $2,790 for expenses and $7,397 in benefits for a total of $26,087;
– Matt Sammut: base pay of $15,900, $7,397 in benefits and zero expenses for a total of $23,297; and
– Rob Smith: base pay of $15,900, $7,397 in benefits and zero expenses for a total of $23,297.
The town also paid out a total of $3,200 for members of the committee of adjustment, livestock evaluators and fence viewers.
D’Angelo stated in her report to council that all amounts were within the 2016 budget estimates.
Council received the report for information.
