COBDEN — The 2015 remuneration for Whitewater Region council totalled $109,558.84.
Whitewater Region Mayor Hal Johnson received the most with a total of $24,423.13. That includes the council honourarium of $17,328.30; $2,248.83 in expenses and a $4,846 honourarium from the Ottawa River Power Corporation.
Each of the councillors and Reeve Terry Millar receive a council honourarium of $12,081.07, with expenses making up the difference.
Reeve Terry Millar received $13,589.50, with expenses totalling $1,587.43.
Councillors Chris Olmstead received $14,170.16 with $$2,089.09 in expenses; Daryl McLaughlin received $13,163.82 with $1,082.75 in expenses; David Mackay received $13,060.07 with $979 in expenses; Charlene Jackson received $13,056.59 with $975.52 in expenses; and Cathy Regier received $12,894.57 with $813.50 in expenses.
Bernard Tracey, the council representative on the Ottawa River Energy Solutions board, received the $5,126 honourarium.
Coun. McLaughlin questioned why there is a difference between the Ottawa River Energy Solutions remuneration and the Ottawa River Power Corporation’s honourarium.
Those corporations set the remuneration for each person, said Coun. Charlene Jackson said.
Mayor Johnson added Mr. Tracey attended more meetings. He further noted that he missed a meeting, which meant a certain amount was deducted from his honourarium.
Coun. McLaughlin said he was not aware until this year that certain expenses were not included in the remunerations, such as for conferences. He noted the amount shown to the public is not the total remuneration for council.
“These are not the true figures,” he added.
Treasurer Marsha Hawthorne explained that any expenses the township pays for council that are not paid to them, are not included in the council remuneration. She added that this is the way it has been done in this municipality since before she became treasurer.
Ms. Hawthorne explained that while those figures may not be reflected in the remuneration, it is a part of the council budget.
Coun. Jackson suggested that be reviewed.
“… municipal councillor expenses should all be included,” she said.
