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.
Collingwood’s Mayor Brian Saunderson made $20,441 for performing his county duties, with $874 in council expenses and $1,290 in corporate expenses. While his overall pay stayed steady with 2019 numbers, his council expenses in 2019 were $4,002.
Deputy Mayor Keith Hull made $18,802, while claiming $827 in council expenses and $1,172 in corporate expenses.
The county salaries are in addition to what Saunderson and Hull earn as mayor and deputy mayor in Collingwood. The town's remuneration has not yet been published, but will be on a council agenda soon, according to staff.
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.
