Perth County releases 2025 council pay figures

Perth County councillors received a combined total of nearly $211,000 in remuneration in 2025, along with $39,425.66 in travel and professional development expenses, according to the county’s annual statement of remuneration and expenses received by council at its March 19 meeting.

The annual report is required under the Municipal Act and provides a detailed breakdown of pay, taxable benefits and expenses paid to members of council and appointed committees.

Among councillors, past warden Doug Kellum received the highest total pay at $44,757.64, reflecting his time serving as warden until the election of a new warden in December 2025. Kellum also reported $21,684.51 in travel and professional development expenses, for a total compensation of $66,442.17.

Dean Trentowsky, who served as deputy warden for most of the year before being elected warden in December, received $23,116.24 in remuneration and $1,251.88 in travel expenses for a total of $24,368.12.

Other council remuneration totals ranged from $16,187.66 for Hugh McDermid to $19,594.60 for Robert Wilhelm. Rhonda Ehgoetz received $19,029.75, Sue Orr $19,287.86, Todd Kasenberg $18,434.72, Walter McKenzie $17,113.61, Matt Duncan $17,214.73 and Jerry Smith $18,239.20.

Council members collectively reported $34,147.61 in travel expenses and $5,278.05 in professional development costs for 2025.

The report also includes remuneration paid to members of the county’s accessibility advisory committee, which totalled $6,436.77 in 2025. Individual payments ranged from $709 to $1,595.91, with an additional $23.77 in mileage reported.

“When you go to (the pay statement for) accessibility advisory, there’s nobody from West Perth,” Coun. Rhonda Ehgoetz said. “(Does West Perth) pay their people separately; do they not claim it?”

“We encourage everybody to submit their expense forms, however, some individuals do not submit their expense forms, so that’s why you would see that,” county clerk Tyler Sager said.

“I realize that. It just seems odd that both of them are from the same municipality; that’s why I raised it.” Ehgoetz responded. “ … Thank you to them for saving us the money.”

In addition, council received a summary of remuneration paid to county representatives serving on the Spruce Lodge Home for the Aged board. Jerry Smith received $841.88, including $281.88 in mileage, while Sue Orr received $920.00 in meeting pay. Combined remuneration for the two appointments totalled $1,721.88.

The statement summarizes all remuneration, benefits and expenses paid to council members and appointees for the 2025 calendar year as required by provincial legislation.