Remuneration and expenses for City of Powell River elected officials and staff increased in 2011 over the previous year.
According to the statement of financial information for 2011, the number of city employees earning more than $75,000 jumped to 57 from 34 in 2010, mainly due to the dissolution of the CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) sick bank, which resulted in a one-time payment to qualifying employees. In 2011, city officials paid out almost $1.2 million in sick bank credits to 45 CUPE members.
The total remuneration for employees earning more than $75,000 rose from about $3.2 million in 2010 to $5.6 million in 2011. Expenses for employees earning over $75,000 increased as well, rising from $69,890 in 2010 to $78,986 in 2011.
The total remuneration to employees in 2011 was $11.5 million, compared to $10.1 million in 2010. Total employee expenses increased from $199,919 in 2010 to $223,547 in 2011.
City councillors received $132,879 in remuneration, a 1.4 per cent increase over the 2010 total of $131,048. Expenses increased 18 per cent, rising from $30,665 in 2010 to $36,289 in 2011.
Mayor Dave Formosa claimed the most in expenses, $11,532. His expenses were almost double the next two highest claims, Councillor Maggie Hathaway with $6,597 and Councillor Debbie Dee with $6,521.
Formosa said in addition to regular travel expenses incurred by all elected officials, he was doing extra travel. Stewart Alsgard, who was the mayor up until the November 2011 election, asked him to attend a number of meetings that were for mayors, Formosa explained.
There was also travel involved in developing the AIP (agreement in principle) between the city and Catalyst Paper Corporation, Formosa added, and lobbying the provincial government on a number of initiatives, which resulted in obtaining grants.
He has said a number of times publicly that he wanted to have the highest expenses of any elected official, Formosa pointed out, and his 2011 expenses are a reflection of his goal to encourage business investment in the community. “The only way we’re going to get people to come here is by us going out to get them,” he said. “They’re not coming to us.”
Councillor Chris McNaughton had $4,805 in expenses, while Councillor Jim Palm claimed $246.
Alsgard had $4,474 in expenses in 2011 and $35,902 in remuneration. Aaron Pinch, whose term also ended in November 2011, claimed $2,111 in expenses.
Stan Westby, chief administrative officer, was the top wage earner in 2011 with $168,475, $3,008 more than the $165,467 he received in 2010. Westby also claimed $15,084 in expenses, down $4,374 from the $19,458 he claimed in 2010.
