This week The Chief reported on the recently released 2009 municipal staff salaries, undoubtedly causing more than one reader to spit out their morning coffee.
Eight municipal employees making more than $100,000 - 28 making more than $75,000. It's enough to make you swoon.
Consider the median income for Squamish is $30,068 and there's no debating top district salaries add up to a nice chunk of change.
It's fair to ask: "What am I getting for that?" - after all, it is your money - so let's try for some perspective.
As the years go by, Muni Hall appears to be populated by more and more people of impressive educational backgrounds and extensive experience. And these highly-respected professionals appear to be attracting more highly-respected professionals.
Any improvement in staff is welcome as Squamish meets the growing complexity and diversity of interest groups with elaborate construction projects, environmental issues, recreational proposals, income base and businesses.
But even the most talented group of municipal managers must face incredible challenges while attempting to create policies, determine priorities and influence a town's personality through community planning.
Being a newspaper, we hear many of the gripes levelled at municipal staff. Over the years, these gripes have even morphed into more than a few lawsuits. There's no question staffers have to tread very carefully in every aspect of their job.
With all these potential pitfalls before them, they must do it solely for the six-figure salary, right?
Quick show of hands: who would leave Squamish for $10,000 per year? What about $20,000? What about $100,000?
We have in our Municipal Hall people who purport to love this town so much, they've turned down the opportunity to go elsewhere and make significantly more money for significantly fewer headaches.
In the private sector, many of the upper level management could earn double their salaries with their skills sets in tow.
But even in the public sector, an extra $80,000 per year could go to District of Squamish planning director Cameron Chalmers if only he moved to Langley.
And $114,000 more per year could be in director of finance Joanne Greenlees's bank if she chose to live in Squamish and commute to Surrey every day - that would more than cover the gas mileage.
But they choose to stay here. That's got to be worth something.
So when you review the upper level staff salaries, let that encourage you to put the pressure on them - make sure you're getting your money's worth. But don't forget to thank them when the job's well done.
- Sylvie Paillard
