Chief administrative officers (CAOs) in Grimsby, Lincoln, and West Lincoln topped the municipal salary ranks in their respective communities, according to the 2024 Ontario Sunshine List.
The Sunshine List, mandated by the 1996 Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, publishes the names, positions, salaries, and taxable benefits of public sector employees who earn more than $100,000 annually. In total, 72 municipal employees from west Niagara made the list in 2024.
In Grimsby, 25 municipal employees were named to the 2024 list, with CAO Sarah Kim leading the way. Kim earned a salary of $210,151. Niagara West Fire & Emergency Service Deputy Chief James Kay followed with a salary of $160,834.
In Lincoln, CAO Mike Kirkopoulos topped the list with a salary of $251,984. He was followed by Planning and Development Director Matt Bruder at $188,667 and Niagara West Fire Chief Greg Hudson at $176,751. Thirty-two Lincoln employees made the list in total.
West Lincoln’s highest-paid municipal employee in 2024 was Donna Defilippis, Director of Finance, who earned $192,282. Defilippis was also acting CAO during the year. Planning and Building Director Brian Treble and Public Works (now Infrastructure) Director Mike Dipaola each earned $151,628. Fifteen West Lincoln employees appeared on the list.
West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann expressed concerns about the Sunshine List’s $100,000 threshold, stating, “I think the ($100,000) threshold is way too low. As our dollar has changed over time and the price of everything has escalated, needless to say, salaries have done the same.” She argued that the threshold, set in 1996, is outdated and no longer reflects current economic realities.
Ganann also pointed out that the West Lincoln list might be skewed due to the municipality’s search for a new CAO, which led to other staff members temporarily stepping into higher-paying acting director roles. She added, “We had this domino effect from the top down,” and explained that the previous council adopted a salary range pay grid to help the township retain and recruit talent.
Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan highlighted the importance of a well-supported workforce, stating, “Municipal employees are the backbone of local government, delivering critical services that residents rely on every day.” Jordan noted that the town regularly reviews salaries to attract and retain top talent, ensuring workforce morale and aligning compensation with industry standards.
Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton remarked that if inflation were accounted for, the $100,000 threshold would be closer to $183,000 today. She added, “Our employees play a vital role in delivering essential programs, maintaining infrastructure, and ensuring Lincoln remains a great place to live, work, and invest.” Easton emphasized that public sector salaries are determined based on responsibilities, market comparisons, and the need to attract skilled professionals, ensuring the delivery of efficient and responsible services to residents.
