The total could be considered a bargain compared to the neighbours to the west, where Pickering elected officials cost taxpayers almost $378,000. One Pickering councillor, Doug Dickerson, had expenses of $18,304, while all Ajax politicians had total expenses of just over $47,000.

Included in the costs for Ajax politicians was $16,698 in severance pay to former Ward 2 local Councillor Joe Dickson. He left council in October after running successfully in the provincial election.

Politicians in Ajax are eligible for a severance of one month for every year of service, and Mr. Dickson received nine months of severance.

Mr. Dickson's replacement, Renrick Ashby, won a byelection in March, so he has no expenses for 2007. He did, however, have $375 in honorariums and meeting expenses with the animal services - property standards committee.

Mr. Dickson's total expenses were $38,725.23. That includes remuneration, benefits and severance, a travel allowance of $1,889.26. conference/seminar/meeting (CSM) expenses of $201.40 and communication expenses of $900.

Each councillor receives a travel allowance of $229 a month for a total of $2,748, while the mayor receives $574 a month for a total of $6,888.

Councillors received a salary of $22,264, while the mayor's remuneration was $55,663.

Both Mayor Parish and Ward 4 local Councillor Pat Brown serve on the Veridian Corporation board, where they receive remuneration of $10,800 each. Coun. Brown had CSM of $2,096.78, while Mayor Parish had CSM of $191. The Veridian salary and expenses are paid by the company, not the Town.

Mayor Parish and Regional Councillors Scott Crawford and Colleen Jordan all receive a salary of $43,201.71 for sitting on Regional council.