There’s a cost to the public’s business, according to regional politicians.
Just over $300,000 was spent on remuneration and expenses for all Regional District of North Okanagan directors and alternate directors in 2015.
“We’re paid based on the meetings we attend,” said Rick Fairbairn, chairperson.
“We have an obligation to attend meetings to represent the board and the public.”
Leading the pack was Fairbairn, rural Lumby director, who had a salary of $42,368 and expenses of $13,915.
“As chairperson, I spend almost every working day at the regional district office,” said Fairbairn.
Cherryville director Hank Cameron had a salary of $23,552 and he points out that a portion of it was taxable.
“My T-4 showed $15,800,” he said.
Cameron’s expenses were $8,067 and they were from attending provincial and regional conventions.
“They are a valuable opportunity to talk to cabinet ministers and discuss important issues,” he said.
Remuneration for the other board members in 2015 was:
Kevin Acton - $13,496 (expenses $992)
Janice Brown - $11,066 (expenses $139)
Juliette Cunningham - $15,615 (expenses $118)
Doug Dirk - $12,683 (expenses $287)
Bob Fleming - $24,296 (expenses $4,440)
Shirley Fowler - $11,213 (expenses $623)
Herman Halvorson - $22,523 (expenses $8,113)
Catherine Lord - $11,360 (expenses $8)
Mike Macnabb - $24,153 (expenses $3,496)
Greg McCune - $12,095 (expenses $1,010)
Akbal Mund - $15,120 (expenses $12)
Brian Quiring - $10,478 (no expenses)
The 2015 report shows that 31 RDNO employees earned more than $75,000.
At the top of the list was chief administrative officer David Sewell with remuneration of $166,703 and expenses of $18,314.
Second was Leah Mellott, electoral area services general manager, with remuneration of $142,845 and expenses of $6,331.
“Staff are paid the going rate and we have excellent staff,” said Fairbairn.
All employees at the regional district were paid out $5.9 million in salaries and $462,101 in expenses.