COUNCILLORS WERE PAID THIS MUCH IN 2022

New Tecumseth taxpayers spent just over $400,000 in salaries, mileage and other payments on members of council in 2022.

The remuneration report for 2022 shows payments for the 10-member council rose to $400,820.40, up from the $392,999.16 paid in 2021.

Total salary payments came to $303,129.49, up slightly from $300,128 the previous year.

Former mayor Rick Milne, who served until the municipal election in October, was the highest paid with a base salary of $44,232.72. He also received payment in lieu of benefits totalling $6,009.84, a car allowance of $892.50, $1,550 for meetings and per diems, plus another $1,000 from serving on the police services board. His total remuneration

was $53,685.06.

Mayor Richard Norcross's payments are divided into two categories, since he served as deputy mayor prior to the election. His salary was $6,318.96 as mayor and $30,592.70 as deputy mayor. He also received a total of $6,881.10 in health and dental benefits, $1,020 for car allowance, and $1,405 for meetings and per diems. His total payments worked out to $46,217.76.

Deputy Mayor Stephanie MacLellan's payments

were also separated in two categories, since she served as Ward 6 councillor prior to the election. She received a salary of $23,801.61 as councillor and $4,370.39 as deputy mayor. She also received $6,881.10 in lieu of benefits, $1,020 car allowance, and $1,310 for meetings and per diems. Her total payments were $37,383.10.

Councillors who served from Jan. 1 to Oct. 24 received a salary of $23,801.61, the two councillors who were re-elected had a salary of $27,201.84, and the six councillors who were elected in October had a salary of $3,400.23.

There were also $27,106.63 in expenses reimbursed to councillors in 2022, more than double the $12,371.26 claimed in 2021. The easing of pandemic restrictions and resumption of in-person events was a major factor in the increase.

Milne claimed the highest amount of expenses at $11,725.04, including $6,045.48 for conferences and accommodations, $1,094.65 in travel and mileage expenses, $3,655.90 in meals, and $929.01 in telephone and communications Former Ward 2 Coun. Michael Beattie claimed the second highest amount at $4,509.13.

The full remuneration report can be viewed on the March 13 agenda on the town website.