By Cecilia Nasmith

In 2022, Northumberland Count taxpayers forked out $221,069.53 in compensation to councillors from its seven member municipalities.

The list of recipients was unusually long, as it was an election year and payments were made to both former and present council complements.

Each member is paid an annual salary, reimbursement for expenses incurred to attend meetings and conferences, and a per diem rate to attend standing committee, advisory group and other meetings which are in addition to regularly scheduled council meetings.

In the report, councillors who were incumbents as of Jan. 1, 2022, received the salary amount, while those who were newly elected had not.

Hamilton Township:

Bill Cane, who retired at election time, got a salary of $20,263.39, $3,600 in per diem payments and $465.34 in benefits for a total of $24,328.73.

His successor Scott Jibb collected $101.95 - $100 in per diem payments and $1.95 in benefits.

Trent Hills:

Bob Crate served as warden for virtually the whole year, collecting $49,832.83 in salary, $5,600 in per diem payments, $1,102.20 in benefits and $8,036.66 in mileage for a total of $64,571.69.

Cobourg:

John Henderson collected $20,263.39 in salary, $2,800 in per diem payments, $449.74 in benefits and $4.27 in mileage for a total of $23,517.40.

His successor Lucas Cleveland collected $101.95 - $100 in per diem payments and $1.95 in benefits.

Alnwick-Haldimand Township:

Gail Latchford, who retired at election time, collected $20,263.39 in salary, $2,900 in per diem payments, $449.74 in benefits and $681.70 in mileage for a total of $24,294.83.

Her successor John Logel collected $101.95 - $100 in per diem payments and $1.95 in benefits.

Cramahe Township:

Mandy Martin served as Deputy Warden for virtually the whole year, collected $24,316.81 in salary, $2,400 in per diem payments, $752.26 in benefits and $2,758.63 in mileage for a total of $30,227.70.

Brighton:

Brian Ostrander collected $20,263.39 in salary, $1,800 in per diem payments, $1,488.34 in benefits and $3,850.63 in mileage for a total of $27,402.36.

His alternate Laura Vink collected $200 in per diem payments and $3.90 in benefits for a total of $203.90

Port Hope:

Bob Sanderson, who retired at election time, collected a salary of $20,263.39, $2,200 in per diem payments, $438.04 in benefits and $3,009.79 in mileage for a total of $25,911.22.

His alternate Les Andrews collected $200 in per diem payments and $3.90 in benefits for a total of $203.90.

Sanderson's successor Olena Hankivsky has collected $101.95 - $100 in per diem payments and $1.95 in benefits.

The $221,069.53 total works out to $175,466.59 in salaries, $22,100 in per diem payments, $5,161.26 in benefits and $18,341.68 in mileage.

The report, prepared by Financial Officer Jamey MacKenzie, is an annual requirement under the Municipal Act.

It noted that council remuneration was established in Bylaw 2020-11, which was in effect for 2022.