Kawartha Lakes council costs over $563,000 in 2023

Mar 21, 20242 min read

DAN CEARNS The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Members of City of Kawartha Lakes council cost the municipality $563,036 in 2023 according to a recent report.

Included in council’s agenda, for the Tuesday, March 19th meeting, is the annual report on council and board members remuneration and expenses. In 2022, council members cost the municipality $536,814.

“There was an increase in Councillor expenses, due to events taking place which are in-person rather than online. The mileage has increased, due to a return to in-person meetings. Conferences and seminars have increased, with training opportunities returning to in-person rather than a webinar. The other eligible expenses include public relations costs, such as supporting local events and public newsletters,” the report, written by General Clerk Miranda Warren, stated.

In 2023, Mayor Doug Elmslie made a salary of $117,733, while claiming mileage expenses of $3,051.99, $2,682 in conference and seminar costs, and $2,929 in other expenses. Having served as the Deputy Mayor for 2023, Ward 8 Councillor, Tracy Richardson earned a salary of $53,678, while claiming mileage expenses amounting to $4,173, $96 in conference costs and $206 in other expenses.

The remaining members of council earned a salary of $50,612. Ward 1 Councillor, Emmett Yeo only claimed $48.67 in other expenses, while not claiming any mileage or conference expenses. Ward 2 Councillor, Pat Warren claimed $3,527 in mileage, $3,117 in conference costs and $123.68 in other expenses. Ward 3 Councillor, Mike Perry didn’t claim any mileage costs, but claimed $2,050 in conference costs and $48.67 in other expenses. Ward 4 Councillor, Dan Joyce claimed $1,448 in mileage, $1,169 in conference costs and $206 in other expenses. Ward 5 Councillor, Eric Smeaton claimed $959 in mileage, $3,601 in conference costs and $440 in other expenses. Ward 6 Councillor, Ron Ashmore claimed $4,413 in mileage, $625 in conference costs and $2,366 in other expenses. Ward 7 Councillor, Charlie McDonald only claimed $48.67 in other expenses.