Let’s face it—municipal politics rarely make for gripping dinner-table conversation, but Barrie’s 2024 financial report manages to serve up enough intrigue and eyebrow-raising figures to keep us all entertained. From hefty salaries to expenses that would make even the savviest accountant pause, let’s dive into the numbers and what they reveal about the cost of governance.
Barrie council’s total salaries and car allowances last year clocked in at $605,186. Leading the pack, of course, was Mayor Alex Nuttall. With a salary-and-car-allowance combo of $196,083, plus an eye-watering $42,721 in expenses, Nuttall’s ledger tells a story of ambition and, let’s be honest, a touch of extravagance. His expenses ranged from the mundane—like $3,462 for a CRM system subscription—to the ceremonial, like $3,997 spent on certificate holders for proclamations and recognitions. Because nothing says “thank you for your service” like a glossy scroll in a fancy holder.
It’s not just the mayor who’s making waves. The city’s 10 councillors earned $43,391 each in annual salaries (or less, if you’re Clare Riepma, who had his pay docked for ethical breaches). Add to that a $2,400 car allowance per councillor, and you’ve got a tidy sum of taxpayer money fueling the political machine. Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson earned slightly more, with an additional $7,500 for his title and an extra $1,200 in car allowance. His expenses reached $8,997, including sponsorships like $1,000 for Carnival Barrie and $750 for Youth Haven’s Boxes of Hope, proving he’s got a flair for festive philanthropy.
Then there’s Councillor Sergio Morales, whose $9,339 in combined council and corporate expenses crowned him the top spender. Almost half of this—$4,718—came in the last quarter alone. Among these were $1,481 for Christmas cards (because nothing says fiscal prudence like a glossy holiday greeting) and $750 for a Royal Canadian Legion flag honoring veterans. Certainly noble, but perhaps a touch lavish? You decide.
Meanwhile, the council conference budget, set at $25,000, sent members to events like the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Association of Municipalities of Ontario conferences. While networking and professional development are important, one can’t help but wonder if those conference buffets and hotel stays could be scaled down without sacrificing effectiveness.
As for Nuttall, his expenses reveal a meticulous devotion to detail—or at least to keeping up appearances. From quarterly newsletters costing $6,966 to a New Year’s Eve Levee with a $3,014 ice rental bill, his office seems determined to leave no stone—or skating rink—unturned. Nuttall defends these as community outreach efforts, and while that may be true, it’s hard not to smirk at the image of a mayor meticulously tracking “hundreds of certificates” every month.
But let’s not forget the broader question: are these expenses justified? Critics might argue that these costs reflect the price of democracy, while skeptics could point out inefficiencies and potential waste. What’s clear is this: public accountability matters. Barrie residents deserve not just transparency but also a council that balances fiscal responsibility with meaningful community impact. Whether that balance has been struck remains open for debate.
So, here’s to another year of spreadsheets, scrolls, and skating rinks. One can only hope that next year’s report brings not just more numbers but also more answers.
References:
Annual report sheds light on cost of doing business on Barrie council
