The South Algonquin CAO: Hiring and Salary History
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is the most senior staff position in the Township of South Algonquin.
The CAO oversees municipal operations, manages staff, prepares budgets, and advises council on policy and administration.
In South Algonquin, the role also combines the responsibilities of Clerk and Treasurer, making it one of the most important positions in the municipality.
Hiring a New CAO in 2021
In 2021, the township began searching for a new CAO. A job posting for the role listed a salary range of $87,500 to $98,550, along with benefits and OMERS pension. Bryan Martin was first brought in as an interim CAO consultant during the transition period.
According to news reports, prior to that he served 17 years as CAO of Bonnechere Valley Township (2002–2019). In 2019 he left Bonnechere Valley to become CAO of the Town of Arnprior, starting August 12, 2019. Shortly after being hired, Arnprior cut ties during his probation period and appointed an acting CAO instead.
On May 5, 2021, South Algonquin council passed a bylaw appointing Martin as Acting CAO/Clerk-Treasurer.
Later that month, at a special council meeting on May 17, 2021, minutes show that council approved the hiring committee’s recommendation to offer him the permanent position.
Martin officially assumed the role on May 18, 2021.
Salary Structure for the Position
Municipal staff salaries are typically based on pay grids approved by council. These grids establish the hourly job rate and the maximum annual salary for each position. These figures represent the base salary range for the position before taxable benefits or other adjustments.
Sunshine List Salary History
Public salary disclosure records show the following reported salaries for the CAO position:
What the Table Shows
- Large increase between 2022 and 2023 – The CAO salary increased by over 16% in one year, rising by about $18,385.
- Additional increase in 2024 – The salary increased again by $9,561 (7.28%).
- Salary exceeded the pay grid in 2024 – Based on the township’s 2024 pay grid, the maximum salary calculated from the job rate was approximately: $137,373. The reported Sunshine List salary was: $140,819. This is about $3,445 above the grid maximum.
The Sunshine List reports total taxable salary paid during the year, which can include these adjustments. There are several reasons a salary can exceed the grid:
- payout of unused vacation
- overtime or acting assignments
- retroactive pay adjustments
- contract amendments approved by council
Because the list reports total taxable income, it does not always match the base salary exactly.
How CAO Salaries Are Normally Reviewed
In Ontario municipalities, the CAO works directly for council. Because of this, council is responsible for reviewing the CAO’s performance and compensation. Public records (council agendas or minutes) reviewed so far do not show clear references to council conducting annual CAO performance reviews.
Most municipalities follow a standard process that includes:
- an annual performance review
- a review of goals and work completed
- comparisons with similar municipalities
- adjustments based on cost-of-living or performance
Organizations such as the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) publish guidance on how councils should evaluate CAO performance and compensation.
CAO Performance Evaluation Toolkit
These reviews typically look at areas such as:
- financial management
- leadership of staff
- implementation of council decisions
- progress on major projects
- communication with council and the public
These evaluations help council determine whether salary adjustments are appropriate.
Why the Discussion Matters
South Algonquin is a small municipality with a limited tax base, and a good portion of that tax base comes from seniors, people living below low income cutoffs, and people who rely on government transfer payments for income. Like many communities, South Algonquin must balance the need for strong administration with the cost of running the municipality, and the threshold that taxpayers can bear.
The CAO plays an important role in guiding municipal operations and helping council make informed decisions. At the same time, compensation for senior staff is paid with public funds.
Understanding how that compensation changes over time helps residents, council members, and future candidates discuss how the township manages its resources.
