The tab for township council nearly topped $287,000 in 2019.

A report from Treasurer Laura Barta outlining the salaries, benefits and expenses paid out to local politicians was on the agenda for the March 2 committee of the whole meeting.

Mayor Debbie Bath-Hadden received a gross pay of $42,216 (which includes an expense allowance of $4,000 and an RRSP contribution of $1,789). She also received $2,720 to attend conferences and educational opportunities, as well as $1,170 in other expenses.

Regional Councillor Ted Smith collected a gross pay of $34,423 ($2,500 expense allowance, $1,218 RRSP, $5,932 in optional benefits) as well as $1,069 for conferences and educational opportunities and $1,026 in other expenses.

Ward 1 Councillor Mike Jubb received a gross pay of $31,691 ($2,500 expense allowance, $1,134 RRSP and $4,949 in optional benefits) as well as $5,351 for conferences and educational opportunities.

Ward 2 Councillor Claire Doble, Ward 3 Councillor Walter Schummer and Ward 4 Councillor Cria Pettinbill all collected a gross pay of $32,675 ($2,500 expense allowance, $1,134 RRSP, $5,932 in optional benefits). Coun. Pettingill claimed $1,726 in spending for conferences and education, followed by Coun. Schummer at $1,622 and Coun. Doble at $1,234.

Ward 5 Councillor Lynn Campbell received a gross pay of $32,649 $2,500 expense allowance, $1,134 RRSP, $5,932 in optional benefits).

A number of former councillors also received severance payments last year.

Former mayor John Grant received $10,329, as well as former ward councillors Mike Parliament ($6,430), Therese Miller ($6,430) and Cyndi Schaffer ($3,488).