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Councillors' discretionary fund budget is underspent continued from p.1 and $61,877, there were some exceptions owing to 2015 being a particularly turbulent year for Oakville council. Ward 6 Councillor Max Khan received a salary and benefits of just $13,439 due to his sudden death on March 29, 2015. Natalia Lishchyna, who won the vacant Ward 6 sit in a July 13, 2015 by-election, took home $24,474 since. Ward 2 Councillor Pam Damoff also had reduced salary and benefits at $41,933 for 2015 because of her election to MP for the new Oakville North-Burlington riding in the Oct. 20, 2015 federal election. Ward 1 Councillor Ralph Robinson also departed the norm with a salary and benefits of $53,631 as did Ward 4 Councillor Roger Lapworth with $53,672. Ward 4 Councillor Allan Elgar received slightly more with $64,044 in salary and benefits. Town staff said all councillors receive the same salary of $48,732 for a full year (the mayor receives a salary of $121,263 with differences coming from the benefits packages). "It does depend on their benefit coverage," said Gord Lalonde, Corporate Services Commissioner for the Town. "If you are single, you get one type, if your wife has benefits you get a different type." Lalonde also said benefits decline with age. He pointed out when councillors pass age 69, they can no longer make any contributions to the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) pension plan. Town council members also differed in the amount of expenses they claimed for professional development with Robinson claiming the most at $3,670, followed by Ward 5 Councillor Jeff Knoll at $3,566, and Ward 1 Councillor Sean O'Meara with $3,057. Elgar claimed the smallest amount with $360. In her report to the committee, Lynn Horlor of the Town's Financial Operations, said each councillor has $3,700, which they can use at their discretion for community outreach and professional development. Overall, she said, this budget provision was underspent. "If they needed something they would use that expense to get it. They use it for travel sometimes, if they have to fly to Ottawa," said Lalonde. "I think some of them do actually rent parks for events. Sometimes, there are expenses for street events, parties, that sort of thing." Lalonde said this allowance would also cover expenses incurred by the councillors when they attend Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and Federation of Canadian Municipality (FCM) conferences. In 2007, Burton's salary and benefits stood at $111,400, while most councillors earned just more than $50,300 each. 3 | Friday, April 1, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com inside today's Editorial Artscene Beaver www.insideHALTON.com Home Show Alexanian Carpet Planet Workout Real Estate New Homes Starsky Fine Foods 6 19 Sports Classified 22 24 *All flyers not necessarily delivered to all homes For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com coppley. modern style since 1883. 10 days only. for over 120 years, coppley has been the pinnacle of mens tailored clothing. Known for their pioneering spirit and unparalleled innovation, coppley has become a brand synonymous with modern and exclusive canadian style. 20% off custom suits & clothes A STEP BEYOND IN CARE Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist · Foot/Arch Pain? · Ingrown Toenails? · Diabetes? · Swollen Ankles? · Corns, Calluses? Do you have: Call for an appointment 905-632-1414 728 Burloak Drive www.footandhealthclinic.com 905.842.0232 burrowsclothiers.com 200 lakeshore road e, oakville giorgio armani . brunello cucinelli . hugo boss . belstaff . etro . boglioli Don't Compromise on Driver Training UpComing CoUrses April 23, 24, 30 · May 1 may 14, 15, 28, 29 2 Weekends 2 Weekends 9:30 am - 3:30 pm 9:30 am - 3:30 pm register on line and enter discount code BeAVe and receive and immediate $100.00 off any full course. www.drivewiseoakville.com 905-845-7200