In a bid to meet legislative requirements for financial reporting and pursue greater public transparency around its spending, the City released its 2010 remuneration and expenses for council and staff Tuesday evening.
Last year, council racked up $26,001 in expenses — according to data provided by the City, the lowest amount in the years since 2006.
Mayor Kerry Cook spent $10,048; Coun. Tom Barr, $4,672, Coun. Geoff Bourdon, $3,546, Coun. Natalie Hebert $1,925, Coun. Surinderpal Rathor $976, Coun. Laurie Walters $2,726 and Coun. Sue Zacharias, $2,101.
Council salaries amounted to $135,127 in 2010.
According to the City, 2010 expenses were down 29 per cent from 2009.
In 2006, council’s expenses were $37,100; in 2007 — $54,400, in 2008 — $39,700, and in 2009 — $36,700.
The City also reported its staff who earn more than $75,000 per year as required by legislation.
The combined travel expenses for the 12 staff amounted to $37,774; for subscription and memberships, $3,389 and for meals $869.
City chief administrative officer Brian Carruthers had the largest travel budget at $14,254.
The City noted that while there were 12 management staff earning more than $75,000 this year compared to 17 people in 2009, there may be more next year as some individuals were hired mid year and therefore had not received a full year’s salary.
It was further noted that the City is not required by legislation to provide a list of staff expenses.
The savings realized through staff restructuring and wage changes that were implemented in 2009 and realized in 2010 were also noted during the meeting.
Coun. Geoff Bourdon pointed out the savings were more than $473,000.
“This report shows the results of the specific action council took in 2009 to address costs in light of the economic downturn, and our continued fiscal responsibility,” Cook says. “We’re pleased to have saved money and kept tax increases minimal.”