The top payout reported by the City of Richmond in 2019 was to the estate of the city’s late general manager of engineering and deputy chief administrative officer (CAO), Robert Gonzalez, at $620,336.
This included a benefits payout of $454,183, which reflected his long-term employment of 20 years during which time he had accumulated an extensive “leave bank” — unused vacation, overtime, etc. — and other benefits, which were then passed on to his family after his death, explained city spokesperson Clay Adams.
The second highest paid employee was the city’s CAO, George Duncan, whose base salary of $319,294 and benefits totalled $360,280. Vancouver’s city manager, Sadhu Johnston, received $362,852 in total compensation in 2019.
The third highest paid employee in Richmond was Joe Erceg, general manager of planning & development, who received $314,813 in compensation in 2019.
According to the 2019 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI report), 33 employees at the City of Richmond had a base salary of more than $150,000 in 2019.
Municipalities — and other public bodies — have to compile an annual SOFI report that includes compensation of all employees earning more than $75,000.
The SOFI report breaks down salaries and benefits, which can include banked vacation, overtime and other taxable benefits like MSP. Some of the benefits packages relate to retirement, according to Adams.
Some benefit payments were in excess of $100,000, for example, Terry Gilfillan received $145,133 on top of a salary of $17,692 with a total earned of $162,825.
Brad Neidig, who retired from Richmond Fire-Rescue after 34 years, received a benefit payout of $93,706, bringing his total compensation to $168,570.
John Mills, general manager of the Richmond Olympic Oval Corporation, received $81,556 in benefits on top of his salary of $123,578 to bring his total compensation to $205,134.
Adams noted money is allocated to cover accumulated benefits, so there is no “financial liability” to the city.
Top 10 highest paid employees (base salary in brackets)
Robert Gonzalez (estate): $620,336 ($166,153)
George Duncan, chief administrative officer: $360,280 ($319,294)
Joe Erceg, general manager, planning & development: $314,813 ($234,665)
Andrew Nazareth, general manager, finance/corporate services: $308,243 ($234,665)
Anthony Capuccinello Iraci, city solicitor: $276,083 ($219,083)
Cecilia Achiam, general manager, community safety: $261,465 ($220,083)
Serena Lusk, general manager, community services: $243,129 ($215,745)
John Irving, director, engineering/public works: $227,030 ($195,182)
Timothy Wilkinson, fire chief: $233,928 ($182,985)
Jerry Chong, director of finance: $219,462 ($173,702)
