Wellington County councillors paid $760,964 in 2017
Wages, benefits and expenses paid to the 16 members of Wellington County council totalled $760,964 in 2017, down about $14,215 from 2016.
The annual report on remuneration and expenses for county politicians was contained in a report from treasurer Ken deHart to the county’s administration, finance and human resources committee and presented to council Feb. 22.
Puslinch Mayor Dennis Lever, who was Wellington County warden in 2017, took home the largest pay package with a salary of $89,989, plus benefits of $7,826 for a total package of $97,815.
Lever also received $12,910 in expenses, bringing his total remuneration to $110,727.
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 councillors who are also mayors of their respective municipalities, the county compensation is in addition to remuneration received from their home municipality.
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.
