It turns out working for the District of Sooke can be quite the lucrative gig.
The district's annual statement of financial information, published Monday, shows 24 employees of city hall and fire department were paid $100,000 or more.
In 2022, there were 19 employees with similar pay packets.
The latest statement shows that six individuals earned more than $150,000, with the highest amount being $182,022, earned by Raechel Gray, the financial services director who is now the chief administrative officer (CAO).
Firefighter Cam Norris-Jones was second on the list ($165,847), followed by Fire Chief Ted Ruiter ($162,129).
Former planning and development director Matthew Pawlow ($153,148) and firefighter Grayson Kerr ($152,958) round out the top five.
A total 42 names are on the 2023 sunshine list for employees paid $75,000 and up, a 26-per-cent increase from the 19 people in 2022.
The district has 60 employees.
There was two severance agreements made between the District of Sooke and its employees during 2022. These agreements represent 1.5 months and 18 months of compensation.
Mayor Maja Tait was the highest-paid politician at $50,752, plus $10,880 in expenses.
District councillors Jeff Bateman, Al Beddows, Dana Lajeunesse, Megan McMath, Kevin Pearson and Tony St-Pierre received $21,466 in compensation, with Lajeunesse recording the most expenses ($15,719) and Pierre the lowest ($4,976).
Sooke council voted earlier this year to hike taxes 10.6 per cent for this year’s $40-million budget.
