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Compensation packages for council, administration released

BANFF –Ted Christensen received the highest salary of Banff’s six part-time town councillors in 2018 and Peter Poole’s paycheque was the lowest.
Banff Council 2017_21
FILE PHOTO

BANFF –Ted Christensen received the highest salary of Banff’s six part-time town councillors in 2018 and Peter Poole’s paycheque was the lowest.

According to the Town of Banff’s financial statements released and approved at the end of April, Christensen had a salary of $31,774, while Poole’s was $27,147.

Karen Sorensen, whose total compensation package as a full-time mayor was $90,370, including an $81,357 salary and $9,013 in benefits and allowances, said she believes local elected officials are compensated fairly for the work they do.

“I think for any elected person, and perhaps any administration, it’s not unlike a dentist or a doctor in that you’re always working,” said the three-term mayor.

“The only time I’m not working is when I’m in my house and my door is shut or I’m out of town. I don’t think it’s any different than any other elected official in a small town.”

Salaries and benefits for mayor, council and town manager were disclosed in the Town of Banff’s consolidated financial statements, which were released and approved at the end of April.

Town manager Robert Earl, who has an annual performance review with council based on objectives they’ve set, received a $243,602 pay cheque and had an additional $35,051 in benefits and allowances for a total compensation package of $278,653.

Sorensen said Earl is at the top of his pay grid.

“Basically Robert sees a cost of living increase,” she said.

A compensation review committee made up of public members makes recommendations on mayor and council pay in the year prior to an election. That means council votes on remuneration for the next council.

“I’m very happy with our process,” said Sorensen.

The mayor does not get paid per diems because it’s a considered a fulltime position.

For 2018, Chip Olver had $32,648 in total compensation, including $27,147 in salary and $5,501 in benefits and allowances. Brian Standish collected a $27,867 salary and $5,501 in benefits and allowances for a total of $33,368.

Grant Canning’s salary was $28,587 with an additional $3,401 in benefits and allowances for a total of $31,988. Corrie DiManno’s total remuneration package was $31,448, including a salary of $28,047 and $3,401 in benefits and allowances.

Peter Poole’s total compensation package was $27,484, including $27,147 in salary and $337 in benefits and allowances. Ted Christensen had a compensation package of $32,858, including his $31,774 salary and $1,084 benefits and allowances.

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