Port Moody’s payroll increased by 2.6 per cent in 2023 over the previous year, to $28,723,070.
But there were three fewer employees earning $100,000 or more.
According to the city’s annual statement of financial information (SOFI) to be presented to council’s finance committee on Tuesday, June 18, 82 employees earned six figures last year, down from 85 in 2022.
More than half of those — 45 — work in Port Moody Fire Rescue.
In the second half of last year, PMFR added five new recruits, and another early this year, as part of an effort to reduce the workload and overtime costs for the city’s existing firefighters.
Former city manager Tim Savoie, who retired in February, was Port Moody’s top paid employee in 2023; he earned $228,951.
Mayor Meaghan Lahti earned $142,010 plus another $935 in taxable benefits after council voted itself a pay raise in Dec., 2023, retroactive to the beginning of that year. Previously the mayor’s position earned $126,360.
Councillors — who are part time — were paid $54,857 in 2023 compared to $43,316 in years prior.
Coun. Diana Dilworth suggested at the time council voted on its raise that their compensation really should be determined by a regular staff review.
“We need consistent approaches to remuneration,” she said.
Port Moody’s general manager of corporate services, Angie Parnell, agreed. In a report, she recommended a review of council salaries every six years by the city’s human resources department.
