Staffing costs at the city of Port Coquitlam increased by $1.3 million in 2011 over the previous year, according to a report.
In 2011, more than 100 city employees earned more than $75,000 in salary and benefits, totalling $9.7 million. The amount paid out to staff making under $75,000 was $14.1 million, for a total of $23.8 million. That is an increase of 5.8% over last year, when the total amount the city paid its staff was $22.5 million.
Tony Chong, the city's chief administrative officer, had the highest pay package of '11, valued at $209,414 plus expenses of $5,869. Chong left the job early this year and the city continues to seek a replacement.
Parks and recreation director Barry Becker's remuneration was the second highest, at $167,410.
Mayor Greg Moore also made the list of Port Coquitlam employees to earn more than $75,000. He collected $93,419 from the city in remuneration and spent $5,900 in expenses. The $93,419 includes an $85,418 base salary, a $5,723 vehicle allowance and $2,008 in taxable benefits.
Each councillor who served for the full year received $31,182. Coun. Dean Washington, who was sworn in after winning his seat in the civic election last November, was paid $2,278. Sherry Carroll, who lost her seat in the election, was paid $31,904 in 2012.
Expenses varied among council members, with Coun. Darrell Penner racking up the highest bill at $5,365 followed by Coun. Mike Forrest, with $5,131. Coun. Michael Wright spent $4,331 in expenses followed by councillors Glenn Pollock ($3,514), Carroll ($2,225) and Brad West ($1,061). Dean Washington did not spend any money on expenses in 2012.
Port Coquitlam's top 10 staff incomes were:
Tony Chong, chief administrative officer -$209,414;
Barry Becker, director of parks and recreation -$167,410;
Mindy Smith, director of corporate services - $166,054;
Laura Lee Richard, director of development services -$151,848;
Alan Nicholson, deputy fire chief -$137,144;
Terry Hochstetter, deputy fire chief - $133,286;
Larry Wheeler, deputy director of parks and recreation -$122,562;
Gordon Voncina, director of engineering and operations -$122,323;
John McLean, manager of engineering and projects -$121,178;
Susan Rauh, corporate officer -$119,744.
