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CTV News
21 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Here are the highest-paid City of Regina employees for 2024
Regina City Manger Niki Anderson can be seen in this photo taken during 2025 city budget deliberations City manager Niki Anderson and Regina Police Chief Farooq Sheikh were the top two highest paid city employees in 2024 – both are currently on leave. Anderson received a total salary of $317,112 in 2024, which is up from $297,173 in 2023. For the past two years, Anderson has been the highest paid city employee – she was also the sole employee to cross the $300,000 benchmark in salary. Since April 29, Anderson has been on leave – with city clerk Jim Nicol serving as the interim city manager. The announcement of Anderson's leave was made public on April 29, following a special council meeting. No other details have been provided as to the nature of her absence – with Mayor Chad Bachynski simply describing it as a 'a personal matter.' RPS Chief Farooq Sheikh came in close behind – reporting an annual salary of $273,100. Sheikh officially assumed the role as chief in December of 2023. On April 4, the Regina Police Service announced that Sheikh had been temporarily removed from active service following a complaint from a member of the public to the Public Complaints Commission (PCC). The top 10 highest-paid employees with the City of Regina last year are as follows: Niki Anderson, city manager: $317,112 Farooq Sheikh, chief of Regina Police Service: $273,100 Lorilee Davies, deputy chief of Regina Police Service: $256,547 Deborah Bryden, deputy city manager of city planning and community Services: $250,206 Jennifer Johnson, deputy city manager of communications, Service Regina and tourism: $240,902 Roberta Engel, interim president and CEO at REAL: $237,720 Kurtis Doney, deputy city manager of city operations: $234,485 Darcy Koch, superintendent at Regina Police Service: $228,312 Shannon Williams, city solicitor: $224,281 Trent Stevely, deputy chief of Regina Police Service: $227,568 Other employees paid more than $200,000 included Jim Nicol (city clerk and acting city manager), Regina Public Library Jeff Barber, fire chief Layne Jackson, Economic Development Regina CEO Chris Lane and Buffalo Pound Water Treat Plant CEO Ryan Johnson. Former president and CEO of REAL Tim Reid also made the list – stemming from severance and other payments related to his termination in early January of 2024. The accounts show that Reid earned $22,060 for his work in January and $187,757 in 'other renumeration' for a total of $209,817. A total of 23 employees working for the city were paid more than $200,000 in 2024. This marks an increase from 18 in 2023 and 11 in 2022. Former chief financial officer Barry Lacey earned $146,398 in salary and $177,709 in 'other renumeration' when he retired in July following eight years in the position. RPS superintendent Kelly Trithart and REAL vice-president of corporate finance and operations Scott Manson earned $199,567 and $194,696 respectively. Next on the list was the former chief of staff for the city manager Ly Pham – who was paid $192,197 in 2024. Pham was one of three city employees who were terminated the day after Anderson was reported to be on leave. Former Mayor Sandra Masters received $151,564 in base salary in addition to $7,924 for travel and $14,882 for a car lease. Former city councillors were paid $55,537 for their final term in office. The city employed 5,168 people in 2024 – 200 fewer than in 2023. Wages and benefits accounted for approximately 46 per cent of the city's expenses for 2024.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
City forecasts need for 9.9% property tax increase next year
The City of Saskatoon could be facing one of its largest ever tax hikes next year. City administration will present a report to the city's governance and priorities committee next week that forecasts property tax increases of 9.9 per cent in 2026 and 7.3 per cent in 2027. 'The city continues to face increasing costs from inflation and the needs of a growing city, and non-property tax revenue sources continue to not keep up with inflation and growth,' chief financial officer Clae Hack said Wednesday. The increases amount to $22 and $18 per month, respectively, for an average assessed home value of $397,000. Hack noted city councillors are likely to look for cuts, rather than approve such a sizeable hike, much like the previous council did in 2023 when the city lowered a $75 million dollar shortfall by $39 million. But Hack said the forecast is a reminder of the effects ongoing inflation and rapid population growth have had on city finances. 'There's definitely no silver bullet. There's not going to be one easy decision that doesn't impact anybody across the city. So, it's going to be a combination of various things,' Hack said about efforts to reduce the tax hike. The largest pressure on the city is the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) budget, which accounts for more than one-third of the potential increase. The police operating budget is projecting increases of 10.4 per cent in 2026 and 6.4 per cent in 2027 over its existing budget, which Hack largely attributed to salary increases — part of binding arbitration over a new collective bargaining agreement. Without any other increases to expenses, the police budget alone would account for a 4.09 per cent increase to property taxes. 'They recently had an arbitration settlement come in. So, funding the results of that and then future collective bargaining estimates are a big part of their budget increase,' Hack said. Hack says phase-in expenses previously directed by council and maintaining existing service levels also impact the budget. The Link transit system, the new leisure centre planned for growing areas on the east side of the city and two new fire halls, among other expenses, will add approximately $7.5 million and $9.6 million in 2026 and 2027 respectively. Population growth and increasing inflation are also impacting revenue, as well as expenses. According to Statistics Canada, Saskatoon added 12,896 people in 2024. Newcomers to Saskatoon accounted for 42 per cent of the province's population growth last year. Even though the city has collected nearly 19 per cent more in property tax revenue since 2022, the value of the revenue can't keep up with expense pressures, making the city more reliant on property taxes. 'We're seeing things like our user fees or our government grants maybe not growing at the same pace of the expenses. So when you think about the property tax, not only does the property tax need to pick up its share of the expenditure pressures the city's facing, but it also needs to pick up the share of other revenues that aren't keeping pace,' Hack said. Inflation, while not as significant as in 2022 or 2023, is also a major factor. Hack says asphalt costs have risen by nearly 40 per cent in the last four years. Cement also costs 11.4 per cent more than it did last year and 30 per cent more than it did in 2020. Hack said administration hopes to present a 'refined' budget with a minimum one per cent reduction to the property tax increase by November. 'It's not ideal. Nobody would like a zero per cent property tax increase more than I would. But I think in our role, our main job, especially since everything that we do happens in the public, it's to provide the clear, transparent view of the needs facing the city,' Hack said. The largest property tax increase since at least 1987 was a 7.43 per cent increase in 2014, followed by a 6.04 per cent increase in 2024.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Daria Devlin: Erie, it's time for change and real solutions to serious problems
Running for public office is tough. The sharp elbows of politics cut across gender, race, reality and political party, leaving good people discouraged and afraid to run. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself in the political arena — and I'm running against one of the good guys. Joe Schember is a nice man with a lot to be proud of, and I wish him the best. But over the past year, I've spoken with thousands of Erieites — from every ward, every neighborhood, every walk of life — and the message I've heard is clear: People love this city, but they're worried about the direction we're headed. There is a growing belief that it's time for change — for new energy, new ideas and a new chapter of leadership at City Hall. Erie deserves a mayor who will lead with the urgency that this moment demands — and with the vision to seize our full potential. Someone who won't just manage decline, but who will fight for our collective future and chart a path forward that includes all of us. This means facing our challenges head-on. Erie is confronting a structurally unsound city budget that, without swift and significant intervention, will lead us down the path to state takeover within five years. We're in the midst of a housing crisis that demands a long-term strategy, not band-aid solutions and summer projects. We have the highest child poverty rate in Pennsylvania and a shrinking population, with no clear plan to reverse these trends. These aren't just data points — they're signs of a city in need of bold, responsive and forward-thinking leadership. If elected, I will be a mayor who shows up — in a crisis, at community events and at every table where decisions are made. I will be a mayor who listens deeply, leads decisively and always acts in the best interest of our people. I'll fight for Erie not just here at home, but in the halls of power in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. I'll be a champion for our neighborhoods, our youth, our businesses and our shared future. As our team heads into the closing days of this race, I'm proud that my run for Mayor of Erie has been a respectful, real and honest campaign that has been filled with the hope and promise of what Erie can be. It has been a campaign that reflects who I am, how I'll lead, and the set of values that I'll bring to City Hall. I'm proud of the grassroots support that our campaign has built over the last six months. We've welcomed business owners, community leaders, college students, new voters, retirees, former elected officials, Erie natives, New Americans, renters, landlords, homeowners and transplants into our coalition. Together, our team has talked to thousands of Erie residents who have shared their concerns — and their dreams — for our city. And regardless of which ward or which neighborhood we visited, we've found a universal connection around our love of Erie and our desire to see it thrive, not settle for sustained mediocrity. We've found a shared belief that Erie can, and must, do better. From my early days growing up in a rectory in Erie's historic bayfront, I was instilled with a deep commitment to service and a sense of responsibility to give back to the community that shaped me. My husband Neal and I chose to make Erie our home, to raise our three sons here, and to invest our lives in helping this city thrive — for them, and for every family who calls Erie home. Now I want to make Erie a city my boys will choose to return to, like I did — a place where they can build a life, a career and a future of their own. For the past 15 years, I've worked to strengthen this city — from raising funds and public awareness on key issues to leading investment on Erie's east side. I'm proud to serve as an elected director on the Erie School Board and as an appointed member of the Erie Port Authority and the newly formed City Revitalization & Improvement Zone (CRIZ) Authority. I've overseen multi-million dollar budgets in both municipal and nonprofit sectors, led complex development projects, managed teams of people, and led with conviction and integrity. I've dedicated my career to service, and I'm ready to bring that experience to the mayor's office. But more than a résumé, what drives me is love — deep, enduring love for this city. I love Erie's rich history and resilient spirit. I love its diverse neighborhoods and the people who call them home. I love our quirks and our character. I love the rebirth that's just beginning — and I believe in the bright future we can build together. I know this work won't be easy. Erie's financial realities and old-school politics will continue to challenge us. But we can do hard things — if we do them together. If we remain committed to collaboration, transparency and bold determination. If we're willing to shake loose the status quo and pursue real solutions: a long-term financial plan, a comprehensive housing strategy, investment in youth and workforce development, and policies that truly center equity and opportunity for all. More: 'It's time for change' - why Daria Devlin entered the Erie mayor's race now | Opinion Now is the time for change. The kind of change that doesn't just promise to do better — but actually delivers. If you've met me, you've likely heard me say it — but for every reader across Erie, I'll say it again: This city has given me so much. If you elect me as your next mayor, I will give it everything I have. Every decision, every effort, every day — I will lead with love, with vision, and with the fierce belief that Erie's best days are still ahead. Let's build that future together. Daria Devlin is seeking the Democratic nomination in the May 20th Erie mayoral primary. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Devlin: Erie's best days are still ahead | Opinion
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
See which 11 city of Washington employees earn the most in 2025
Out of Washington's 11 highest-paid employees, more than half are part of the public safety force, specifically the city's police department, and the others work in administration and public works departments, keeping Washingtonians safe and operations running smoothly. Illinois statute requires city governments to publicly post a list of employees earning more than $75,000 in total compensation each year. The Journal Star reviews these reports and shares them with readers for transparency and knowledge of how taxpayer money is allocated and spent. Washington's annual compensation report for 2025-26 breaks down how its $35.6 million budget is divided among employees, including base salaries, health insurance, uniform allowance, vacation days and sick days. Here is a look at which Washington employees have the highest salaries for the 2025-26 fiscal year, according to the compensation report. As the city's finance director, Baxter crafts Washington's annual budget and oversees how the various city departments spend their portion of the money. Baxter is budgeted a base salary of $148,273, according to the total compensation report. Like many city employees, Baxter's salary increased from the 2024-25 fiscal year, moving her up two spots on the list since that year. Carr, who handles the city's construction projects including improvements to streets and sewers, comes in third on the list with an annual salary of $144,908. McCoy, who retired May 5, had a budgeted base salary of $144,740 for his work leading the Washington Police Department this fiscal year. Morton compensation: 15 Morton employees made over $100,000 in 2024, according to village records In his work directing Washington's public works, Rittenhouse primarily supervises city roads and manages needed improvements to streets, waste and sewers. Rittenhouse has a salary of $122,550, according to the compensation report. Organizing and directing projects within the police department and serving as an advisor to the chief of police, Stevens is paid $120,987 yearly. In addition, he earns $1,000 for uniforms. He was recently named interim police chief after the retirement of McCoy. More: Here's who will fill in for some of Washington's most prominent city roles Oliphant enforces city codes, issues permits and directs the implementation of the city's overall plans. For 2025, his salary is $117,623, according to the city's compensation report. Smith, a sergeant in the police department, is paid $98,111 for his annual salary. His uniform allowance totals $890. Also listed as a sergeant, Hunsinger earns the same salary of $98,111 as Smith. His uniform allowance is just below Smith's at $790. Peoria compensation: These city of Peoria employees have the highest compensation for 2025 Foster's annual salary is listed as $96,982, according to the compensation report. Foster is provided $790 for uniforms. Sgt. Simpson earns $95,982 yearly, according to the compensation report. Simpson is allotted $790 for his uniform allowance. Sgt. Cernek earns $96,834 yearly, according to the compensation report. Cernek is allotted $790 for his uniform allowance. This article originally appeared on Journal Star: These Washington employees were highest-compensated in 2025
