County of Simcoe councillors collectively took home $731,224 for their duties performed at the county table in 2021, which was slightly more than in 2020.
During their Tuesday meeting, county councillors received a report for information with no discussion outlining the remuneration they received in 2021. 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 2021, County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell made $84,693 for performing the warden role, as well as $4,072 in council expenses and $5,000 in corporate expenses. This was a decrease from 2020, where he took home $85,402, as well as $5,676 in council expenses and $4,708 in corporate expenses.
After Cornell and Deputy Warden Lynn Dollin ($52,582), Tiny Township Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma took home the largest amount of county pay at $27,845 with $3,276 in council and $1,881 in corporate expenses.
This is in addition to the pay they received for their duties with their respective municipalities.
Midland Mayor Stewart Strathearn brought in $20,230 in 2021, as well as $610 in council expenses and $1,219 in corporate expenses. Midland Deputy Mayor Mike Ross made $20,799 in 2021, as well as $1,359 in corporate expenses. He didn’t claim any council expenses in 2021.
Penetanguishene Mayor Doug Leroux made $21,369. He didn't claim any council expenses, but was paid $428 in corporate expenses. Deputy Mayor Anita Dubeau took home $18,239 along with $611 in council and $367 in corporate expenses.
Tay Township Mayor Ted Walker was paid $17,385 and claimed $350 in corporate expenses while Deputy Mayor Gerard LaChapelle made $17,385 and claimed $350 in corporate expenses.
In total, the 32 members of County of Simcoe council took in $731,224 in 2021 for their county council duties. Combined council expenses totalled $19,129, while corporate expenses totalled $40,495.
This was a slight increase from 2020, where councillors were paid a combined $723,146, as well as $27,625 in council expenses and $38,439 in corporate expenses.
To access the full list of 2021 County of Simcoe council remuneration and expenses, click here.