County of Simcoe councillors collectively took home $723,146 for their duties performed at the county table in 2020, however their council expenses were significantly less than in 2019.
During their Tuesday meeting, county councillors received a report for information with no discussion outlining the remuneration they received in 2020. While the warden and deputy warden positions are paid through a flat rate, county councillors are paid a base rate annually, plus a per diem for each attended meeting.
Costs listed under council expenses include mileage and the costs associated with county councillors attending conferences, meetings and related travel expenses.
Corporate expenses include payments made on behalf of members of council from public funds, which would include statutory and insurance benefits.
In 2020, County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell made $85,402 for performing the warden role, as well as $5,676 in council expenses and $4,708 in corporate expenses. This was a significant decrease from 2019, where he took home $94,864, as well as $10,738 in council expenses and $4,478 in corporate expenses.
Deputy Warden Barry Burton made $50,714, as well as $1,882 in council expenses and $3,470 in corporate expenses. For comparison in 2019, he took home $53,570.
Ramara Township Mayor Basil Clarke earned $18,802 for his county duties and an additional $1,300 in related expenses in 2020. Deputy Mayor Joe Gough earned $12,943.56 for his county duties.
Oro-Medonte Mayor Harry Hughes earned $23,067.29 for his county duties and collected almost $1,300 in expenses related to his county council duties. Deputy Mayor Ralph Hough was paid $16,220.48 for his county council duties.
And Severn Township Mayor Mike Burkett earned $19,087.38 for county duties and an additional $1,400 in related expenses. Deputy Mayor Jane Dunlop earned $19,371.96 for her county duties.
Collingwood’s Mayor Brian Saunderson made $20,441 for performing his county duties, with $874 in council expenses and $1,290 in corporate expenses. While his overall pay stayed steady with 2019 numbers, his council expenses in 2019 were $4,002. Deputy Mayor Keith Hull made $18,802, while claiming $827 in council expenses and $1,172 in corporate expenses.
Midland’s Mayor Stewart Strathearn made $20,156 for performing his county duties, with $560 in council expenses and $1,269 in corporate expenses. In 2019, he spent $4,748 in council expenses. Deputy Mayor Mike Ross made $17,949, while claiming $165 in council expenses and $1,110 in corporate expenses. Ross took home $19,047 in 2019.
Innisfil’s Mayor Lynn Dollin made $26,470 for performing her county duties, with $2,231 in council expenses and $1,724 in corporate expenses. As Dollin also serves on the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit board, she also took home $1,903 for meeting per diems and travel expenses for that role. Innisfil Deputy Mayor Dan Davidson made $17,379 in 2020, with $77 in council expenses and $1,069 in corporate expenses.
Bradford West-Gwillimbury’s Mayor Rob Keffer made $19,656 for performing his county duties, with $891 in council expenses and $1,233 in corporate expenses. For comparison in 2019, he made $20,449, as well as $3,523 in council expenses and $1,276 in corporate expenses. Deputy Mayor James Leduc made $19,656 for his county duties in 2020, with $892 in council expenses and $1,233 in corporate expenses. In 2019, Leduc made $19,608.
In total, the 32 members of County of Simcoe council took in $723,146 in 2020. Combined council expenses totalled $27,625, while corporate expenses totalled $38,439.
This was a marked decrease from 2019, where councillors were paid a combined $758,936, as well as $120,212 in council expenses and $39,643 in corporate expenses.
To access the full list of 2020 County of Simcoe council remuneration and expenses, click here.
