Chilliwack councillor salaries nearing $50K/yr.; Mayor’s salary increases likewise in 2023

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CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack city councillors earned nearly $50,000 in 2023, excluding expenses, and Mayor Ken Popove’s salary exceeded $130,000, according to the latest city data.

According to the Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses for Elected Officials document on the city’s website, Chilliwack city councillors were compensated a base salary of $49,350 for their time and services in 2023, an increase from their previous salary of $46,165.19 in 2022. In 2021, councillors earned a base salary of $43,898.67 in 2021.

Mayor Popove received $134,559 in 2023, an increase over his prior salary of $125,874.27 in base compensation during 2022. His base 2021 salary was $122,181.

As far as additional remuneration and expenses are concerned, Councillor Jason Lum received the highest in “other remuneration,” which is defined as paymenst for acting and alternate acting mayor, payment in lieu of benefits, as well as taxable benefits; his other remuneration was $5,165.60. Lum also received a mileage reimbursement of $117.66 and $2,427.64 in expense reimbursements.

Mayor Popove and Councillor Read did not receive any mileage reimbursement.

Councillor Mercer had the highest expenses of all seven elected officials at $5,967.16, meaning he likely traveled on behalf of the City of Chilliwack to the most events or met with personnel from other branches of government frequently.