Pickering council costs $396,000 in 2009
April 16, 2010
By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- Pickering council expenses have gone up once again this year.

Council as a whole racked up an expense bill of $68,367 in 2009, compared to $59,936 in 2008.

Politicians' total bills, including benefits, salary, per diems and car allowances, cost taxpayers $395,932.
*On top of expenses, each council member made $30,132, received $11,135 in benefits, $3,014 in per diems and a $10,800 limit in car allowance, which they all used. The only differences are Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell, who received $8,204 in benefits, and Mayor Dave Ryan who made $72,316, received $18,247 in benefits and $15,147 for a car allowance.

Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson was the biggest spender for the second straight year, spending $23,723. Those expenses included $4,528 on his cellphone and $7,505 on his newsletter and postage.

"The service I provide my community is within budget, in line and it does the job," he said, adding he's readily available to constituents, provides thorough newsletters and has the biggest ward in Pickering.
Expenses were passed at the executive committee meeting April 12 without discussion, and will go to council Monday, April 19 for final approval.

Look for a full story on expenses in an upcoming edition of the News Advertiser. The full report is available on the City of Pickering's website.

2009 expenses
*Mayor Dave Ryan: $10,908