County of Simcoe councillors collectively took home $723,146 for their duties performed at the county table in 2020.
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.
Tiny Township Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma was the highest paid county councillor, receiving $28,893 with $6,771 in council expenses and $1,898 in corporate expenses.
Midland’s Mayor Stewart Strathearn, meanwhile, 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.
The county salaries are in addition to what local mayors and deputy mayors receive serving their respective municipalities.
Penetanguishene Mayor Doug Leroux was paid $18,518 with $112 in council and $363 in corporate expenses while Deputy Mayor Anita Dubeau made $19,657 plus $271 in council expenses and 386 in corporate expenses.
Tay Mayor Ted Walker received $17,664 with $236 in council expenses and $347 in corporate expenses while Deputy Mayor Gerard LaChapelle took home $17,095 with $176 in council expenses and $336 in corporate expenses.
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.
-with files from Andrew Philips
