The City of Kelowna paid out just over $67.89 million in total remuneration to its employees in 2016 with just under half of that going to workers who received more than $75,000 during the year.
In addition, it paid out another $9.4 million in what it called “fringe” benefits to employees in 2016.
According to the city’s annual financial report, city manager Ron Mattiussi was the highest paid city employee receiving total remuneration—which includes wages, benefits and other payments such as holiday pay—at $268,301, with long-time senior project manager Ron Westlake ($73,830) and department heads Sam Samaddar,the airport manger ($172,265), civic operations director Joe Creron ($165,403) and corporate and protective services director Rob Mayne ($162,892) making up the remainder of the top five earners at city hall last year.
Council remuneration is part of the total figure, with Mayor Colin Basran receiving just over $91,500, with $30,400 of that tax-free. Each one of the his eight city councillors received just over $32,500, with $10,800 of that tax free.
Last year, 48 managers at city hall were paid more than $100,000, while 67 of the city’s 122 full-time firefighters received more than $100,000 each. With the exception of the firefighters, only one non-management city employee, an airport firefighter, received more than $100,000 in total remuneration in 2016.
A total of 356 city employees were paid more than $75,000, 10 fewer than in 2015.
The city is required to annually list the total remuneration for each employee who received more than $75,000. The totals include more than just wages.
The city’s annual financial report, which includes the remuneration figures, will go to council on Monday.