You’re invited to come to the city council meeting on Monday, June 24 to voice your opinion and ask questions about the city’s 2012 annual report.
The meeting starts at 2:30 p.m. in council chambers. Written submissions may also be included on the council agenda.
The report provides a variety of information about the City of Salmon Arm, ranging from audited financial statements and descriptions of city departments and services, to lists of goals and achievements.
Also listed is the remuneration for city staff who earn over $75,000, as well as pay for the mayor and city councillors.
In 2012, 17 staff members earned more than $75,000 not including expenses paid. Four of those were members of the fire department.
Remuneration in that list ranged from $77,040 for Michael Bailey, fire training and operations officer, to $175,450 for Carl Bannister, chief administrative officer.
Bannister’s remuneration jumped from $138,127 in 2011, which was not a 27 per cent raise, as it looks at first glance.
“There were two reasons for that,” explained Mayor Nancy Cooper in an email to the Observer. “We were short-staffed so he covered for all other senior staff members whenever they were sick or on vacation and he was working on two comprehensive court cases.”
Cooper said city lawyers commented that it was the work of Bannister that made the difference in the court cases.
Bannister also commented on the increase.
“Yes, my 2012 remuneration in the annual report (which includes taxable benefits) includes just over $30,000 for vacation (unused) pay. This was accumulated over the last four years or so. I have taken some minimum vacation time but it has been difficult to get away (for various reasons). That will change this year.”
Coun. Alan Harrison also provided information, noting that the position received a five-per cent increase in 2012.
“The CAO salary of $145,033.37 in 2012 is slightly below the provincial average for such a position (eight per cent below). This is based on similar size/type communities in the province,” he wrote in an email.
“City of Salmon Arm management staff are paid slightly under the provincial average – we have lost some staff to surrounding jurisdictions as we are unable to compete with their salary grids.
“I think council’s goal is to ensure we can continue to attract top-quality management staff to our city, while holding the line on salaries. It is a fine balance that we do our best to maintain.”
The report also includes council remuneration, with Mayor Nancy Cooper receiving the highest with a total of $57,822 including $10,794 in expenses, and Coun. Marg Kentel taking home the lowest at $16,250 with an even $1,000 in expenses.
