Who makes big bucks in West Parry Sound municipalities?

Sarah Bissonette - Parry Sound North Star

West Parry Sound municipalities paid their top administrators nearly a million dollars combined in 2021, as six of the seven area townships saw the value of their Sunshine List earners rise.

The annual report of public employees earning more than $100,000 was released March 25. Here are some highlights:
• Seguin Township paid out two chief administrative officer salaries in 2021, with former top staffer Chris Madej earning more in 2021 than in 2020 despite his May 2020 departure due to his severance package. In 2020, Madej’s salary was $172,330.36 and in 2021 the township paid him $178,673.98. His severance pay ended December 2021. Madej’s successor, Jason Inwood, earned $174,087.05 in 2021. 

Parry Sound’s chief administrative officer was paid more than his West Parry Sound peers when the taxable benefit amount was included, and was the second highest without including taxable benefits. In 2021, Clayton Harris’ salary was $ $177,032.67 and he had taxable benefits worth $24,751.13.

• The highest earning chief administrative officer, not including taxable benefits, was Archipelago's John Fior who earned $178,142.59. Fior’s taxable benefit were $8,810.41. Fior’s income actually dropped from the 2020 earnings of $184,278.95. Of Archipelago Township's top earners listed in both 2020 and 2021, their incomes dropped by a total of $32,988.94.

​• McKellar Township was the only municipality without a top administrator making the cut. After having no staff on the 2020 list, director of operations Greg Gostic’s salary was listed as $106,979 in 2021. Related content Over 30 West Parry Sound public sector workers break $100,000 in 2020

• Like McKellar, Whitestone has only one staff member on the 2021 Sunshine List. Chief administrative officer Michelle Hendry’s salary was $146,921.81 in 2021, up slightly from a 2020 salary of $144,628.48. Headlines newsletter Top stories delivered to your inbox. Sign Up

​Sarah Bissonette is a reporter with the Parry Sound North Star.

 Original Article