Wednesday, June 22, 2011

WL Council Approves Statement of Financial Information

At its meeting Tuesday evening, Council approved the 2010 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI), a report required by the provincial Financial Information Act. In addition to the required information, the report contains an additional detailed breakdown of expenses of mayor and council.

All members of Williams Lake Council were within their travel and expense budget ($10,600 for mayor, $5,560 for councillors), and all travel and related expenses are approved by council prior to travel.

In addition, council expenses of $25,973 in 2010 are down 29% from 2009 ($36,774), almost 35% from 2008 ($39,771), and over 52% from 2007 ($54,423).

The mayor’s remuneration in 2010 was $43,687.92, and remuneration for councillors was $15,240.Attached is the detailed breakdown of expenses for council and City staff earning more than $75,000.

In 2010, there were 12 City staff members earning in excess of $75,000, down from 17 in 2009, a savings of $473,459. Comparing 2008 and 2010, the savings total $31,000. Three positions that became vacant were either eliminated or replaced with a staff member at a lower rate. The City’s payroll declined by $65,000 in 2010 compared to 2009.

“This report shows the results of the specific action council took in 2009 to address costs in light of the economic downturn, and our continued fiscal responsibility,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “We’re pleased to have saved money and kept tax increases minimal.”

Council also received the report from the yearly audit of the City’s finances.

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