The cost of local government, in terms of pay for elected officials in the township, actually came down in 2012, compared to the previous year.
A report presented at the Jan. 22 Mapleton council meeting included a remuneration summary for all council members last year. The total cost to local taxpayers came in at $78,321, compared to $80,179 in 2011.
As in most municipalities, the mayor’s costs were the highest among council members. Mayor Bruce Whale, received total remuneration of $17,249. That includes a salary of $15,940, just over $3,000 more than councillors, who are paid $12,398. In 2011, the mayor’s salary and expenses totaled $18,938.
Whale also had meeting expenses in 2012 of $820, registration fees of $178, hotel expenses of $55, mileage and parking fees of $295 and meal expenses of $15.
The expenses of the four councillors are listed below in the following order: salary, meeting per diem fees, convention and seminar fees and pay, registration, hotel costs, mileage and parking, and meal costs:
– Jim Curry, $12,398, $1,190, $750, $1,005, $492, $809, $84, for a total of $16,731;
– Mike Downey, $12,398, $0, $480, $801, $440, $141, $134, for a total of $14,396;
– Neil Driscoll, $12,398, $810, $0, $591, $0, $0, $15, for a total of $13,816; and
– Andy Knetsch, $12,398, $1,360, $360, $573, $661, $752, $22, for a total of $16,127.
Mapleton also has five committees whose members receive remuneration and expenses. The total cost for all six committees in 2012 was $11,526, compared to $5,350 in 2011.
All three cemetery committee members, Jean Campbell and Kathryn Fowler, and Lorrie Spaling were paid $200 for attending meetings.
Meeting pay for committee of adjustment and property standards members was: Kathleen Ayres, $490; Floyd Schieck, $700; Carl Israel, $630 and Peg Schieck, $700. In addition Kathleen Ayres was reimbursed $1,086 and Peg Schieck $980 for expenses.
Maryborough housing board members received the following amounts for attending meetings Jessi Campbell, $50; Kerry Doig, $100; Vaughn Doig, $400; Sandy Vallance, $500; Lois Donaldson, $400 and Virginia Franklin, $300.
The parks and recreation committee has seven members. Four of them – Dave Geddes, Peg Schieck, Carla Schott and Spaling- were paid $350 each for attending meetings, while Dennis Craven and Kelly Culp each received $450 and Arthur Freeman $300.
