Lumby politicians are defending their use of taxpayers’ dollars.
Remuneration figures for 2011 have been released and it shows Mayor Kevin Acton received $18,576 in wages ($12,641) and expenses ($5,935).
“That includes going to the Union of B.C. Municipalities and Southern Interior Local Government Association conferences,” he said.
According to Acton, it is important to travel to Victoria and Vancouver and meet with provincial officials so the village’s needs are addressed.
“The complex care facility is moving ahead because we discussed it with the people involved,” he said.
Coun. Lori Mindnich had wages of $6,697 and expenses of $4,227 for a total of $10,924.
“I attended both SILGA and UBCM,” she said.
In terms of UBCM, Mindnich says it’s necessary to develop relationships with provincial cabinet ministers.
“You push your case and say, ‘This is what we would like from you.’ It helps get grants into the community,” she said.
In terms of former councillors, there were total wages and expenses of $10,337 for Janet Green, $9,065 for Tracy Williamson and $7,245 for Ben Winters. For councillors elected in November, there was $386 each for Jo Anne Fisher, Nick Hodge and Randal Ostafichuk.
Staff earning more than $75,000 in 2011 (wages and expenses) was public works manager Roger Huston at $78,106 and finance director Ken Klassen at $91,274.
