The cost of remuneration for Centre Wellington council in 2012 came in at just over $165,000.
While the mayor’s salary listed in council remuneration documents comes in at just over $33,600, Joanne Ross-Zuj’s total earnings – including payments to be a representative on Centre Wellington Hydro and the Grand River Conservation Authority – bring that figure closer to $44,656.
The figures provided in the Centre Wellington information package do not include the mayor’s earnings as a member of Wellington County council, where she was the second highest earner, with salary and benefits of $37,600 and reimbursed expenses of $13,800 for a total payout of $51,500.
That brings her earnings as a municipal representative to just over $96,000.
Remuneration for council members are Walt Visser, $26,690; Fred Morris, $24,115; Mary Lloyd, $22,260; Kirk McElwain, $20,501; Steve Vanleeuwen, $19,184; and Kelly Linton, $18,919.
Visser questioned the $625 attributed to his expenses for a Valuing Partnerships Conference.
In response, chief financial officer Wes Snarr said he is not familiar with that particular conference.
“Neither am I,” responded Visser.
Ross-Zuj recommended going back to the original paperwork to sort out the issue.
In later discussion, the mayor noted sometimes when there is a sign-up for various committees, things come up and things change.
She said there have been instances where she believed council members should be remunerated for the work done on council’s behalf.
“I think we should as a council, have a discussion on the work which is instrumental in keeping council in touch and whether they should be signed officially in order to receive remuneration,” said Ross-Zuj.
She noted there are a number of committees where council members are being asked to participate.
“I think it is time for a discussion,” she said.
