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RDCK publishes payments to businesses, organizations and staff

In 2014 the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) paid more than $100,000 in salaries to each of five of its staff members.

In 2014 the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) paid more than $100,000 in salaries to each of five of its staff members, $750,000 in salaries and benefits to its directors, and just under $2 million for transit.

Those are three examples of the information contained in the regional district’s statement of financial information for 2014. All municipalities, regional districts, and other public bodies are required by law to publish this report annually.

The report includes financial statements, a list of director and staff salaries, and a list of all payments made for goods and services over $25,000.

“The RDCK is accountable to our residents,” said CFO Heather Smith. “This report is one mechanism whereby we can report out to the public on how its money is being used. We are stewards of the public’s money; we must be transparent and responsible.

“The report also demonstrates how the RDCK contributes to local economies, through wages, contracts, and the purchase of good and services.”

The regional district’s vendor list

The regional district paid more than $300,000 to each of 14 vendors and suppliers in 2014.

Financial statements

The audited report also includes statements about financial position, revenue and expenses, assets, debt, and cash flow.

“The RDCK employs approximately 350 staff,” Smith said. “Our employees live in various communities and areas of the regional district. They support the local economies of the communities they live and shop in.

“We also provide employment for contractors, many of whom are local. The RDCK also purchases many products and services locally.”

Grants to organizations and

municipalities

The report lists grants over $25,000 from the regional district to 32 organizations and municipalities.

Director salaries and expenses

In 2014 John Kettle, director for Area B (rural Creston) and board chair until the November election, was the highest paid elected official with a salary of $65,952 and expenses of $14,403.

Second highest was Paul Peterson, director for Area K (Arrow Lakes), who was paid $37,950 plus expenses of $11,892 in expenses.

Because 2014 was an election year, many of the figures are for a partial year.

The total director salaries and expenses in 2014 was $756,623, lower than 2013’s total of $806,043.

The 11 rural directors each earned a base allowance of $32,220 while the nine municipal directors each received $12,492 in addition to the salary they earn from sitting on their respective councils.

The chair receives an extra $30,648 allowance and the vice-chair another $6,072 on top of their director stipends.

Directors receive additional pay for attending board meetings and chairing committees and are reimbursed for expenses while travelling on regional district business, including accommodation, mileage at 57 cents per kilometres, and up to $75 per day for meals, although they don’t always claim the full amounts.

Staff salaries and expenses

The two highest paid employees were Brian Carruthers who was the chief administrative officer until August when he took a similar job on Vancouver Island, and Stuart Horn, who was the chief administrator for the rest of the year and chief financial officer prior to that. Carruthers made $126,621 including expenses and Horn $169,520 including expenses.

The total payroll plus expenses for all employees in 2014 was $10,062,819, compared with 2013’s total of $9,338,622.