The number of Chatham-Kent employees who made more than $100,000 in 2023 has declined compared to the year prior.
According to information released under Ontario’s Salary Disclosure Act, there were 319 municipal employees on the so-called Sunshine List for 2023, down from 326 the year prior. The list consists of 130 police employees, 122 managerial or non-union, 54 fire staff, eight members of the Ontario Nurses’ Association, two members of CUPE, two members of Unifor and one member of council.
The top earner employed by the municipality was Chief Administrative Officer Michael Duben who took home $319,277 last year.
Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn was paid the second most at $265,545, followed by April Rietdyk, CK’s general manager of health and human services and CEO of Public Health, at $244,391.
Former Chief Administrative Officer Thomas Kelly was also paid $240,746 in 2023, despite abruptly leaving the municipality’s employment in March of 2022 following a Ministry of Labour investigation. According to the municipality, Kelly’s salary was paid “as part of Council’s employment obligation to him” but further details could not be released for confidentiality reasons.
Other notable earners from last year include Deputy Police Chief Kirk Earley who made $227,773 and Fire Chief Chris Case who made $222,273.
Under the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, public sector organizations such as hospitals, school boards, municipalities, colleges, universities and hydroelectric companies owned by the province are required to list employees who earn $100,000 or more each year.
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CK’s Top Earners In 2023
- Michael Duben, Chief Administrative Officer: $319,277
- Gary G Conn, Police Chief: $265,545
- Thomas J Kelly, Chief Administrative Officer: $240,746
- April E Rietdyk, General Manager, Community Human Services/Chief Executive Officer Public Health: $265,545
- Kirk J Earley, Deputy Police Chief: $227,773
- Christopher John Case, Fire Chief: $222,273
- Catherine Hoffman, General Manager, Corporate Services / Chief Human Resources Officer: $220,324.89
- Timothy M Sunderland, General Manager, Public Utilities Commission: $218,209
- Gord F Quinton, General Manager, Finance Budget Information Technology Services / Chief Financial Officer / Treasurer: $217,627