Wages, benefits and expenses paid to the 16 members of Wellington County council totaled $775,179 in 2016, down about $10,000 from 2015 ($785,179).
The annual report on remuneration and expenses for county politicians was presented at the Feb. 23 council meeting.
Minto Mayor George Bridge, who was Wellington County warden in 2016, took home the largest pay package with a salary of $86,610, plus benefits of $11,277 for a total salary and benefits of $97,887.
Bridge also received $25,179 in expenses, bringing his total remuneration to $123,068. The total is down from the $129,940 he received in 2015.
One third of the salary portion of a councillor’s remuneration is considered “expenses incident to the discharge of their duties” and as such is a tax-free allowance.
For the seven councilors who are also mayors of their respective municipalities, the compensation is in addition to remuneration received from their home municipality.
Salary benefits and expenses for council members are detailed in the accompanying chart.
Benefits include the employer portion of OMERS and CPP as well as dental and extended health coverage. Expenses include amounts reimbursed to officials plus amounts paid on their behalf.
