Overall, pay increases at City Hall were not as high in 2012 as in previous years, but more than 80 city staff earned more than $100,000 last year.
The city released its 2012 financial statements yesterday, listing all employees that make more than $75,000 annually, which totaled 222 employees.
Eighty-seven of those staff members made more than $100,000 in 2012.
In 2011, the number of city staffers making more than $75,000 was 211, with 88 earning more than $100,000. In 2010, only 55 employees were paid over $100,000.
The city's highest earner in 2012 was former city manager Frank Pizzuto, who was paid $252,365 to serve in the city's top administrative position. He resigned in December of 2012, and was paid $321,000 in compensation when he left the position.
The current city manager, George Murray, released his salary in February. In 2013, he will receive $230,000 a year, plus additional benefits, six weeks of holiday and the use of a work vehicle or car allowance of $700 per month.
The top earners at the city saw increases that were lower than in previous years.
Jim Gordon, the city's general manager of engineering made $205,669 in 2012, a 2.8 per cent increase from 2011. His pay increase between 2010 and 2011 was 14 per cent.
Jay Teichroeb, general manager of economic development, saw a 4.9 per cent increase, with a total salary of $201,603.
Mark Taylor, the late manager of parks and recreation who died tragically earlier this year in a skiing accident, received a 5 per cent increase in 2012.
Mike Pastro, the manager of the Abbotsford International Airport, saw a 5.7 per cent increase, with a total salary of $175,813. Pastro saw the highest pay spike in 2011, with a 20 per cent increase in salary.
Mayor Bruce Banman was paid $102,272 for his first full year of service, plus $11,159 in expenses.
City councillor earnings varied depending on expenses and indemnity paid for attending water and sewer commissions or for acting as mayor.
Coun. Patricia Ross topped the list with a combined $46,482, with the lowest total for Coun. Bill MacGregor at $35,579.
Banman said that he understands taxpayers' concerns about high wages at city hall, but said a conscious effort was made in 2012 to keep increases lower than the previous year. He said that the issue of public sector wages is a problem in communities across Canada.
"Abbotsford is not an island among itself. We have to be competitive in the marketplace. Sometimes these salaries are what it takes to be competitive with your neighbours."
Banman said the city is currently looking at how to hold increases on wages in line with growth or inflation in the future. Banman said staff are currently looking at the entire organization for efficiencies, and looking for ways to keep public sector salaries more in line with the private sector.
Banman said the key issue for the city is balancing the need to keep salaries at a reasonable level, while still attracting the top quality personnel. Banman said this is an issue that was discussed at the recent meeting of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
"That's a bigger discussion that has to happen with all of the municipalities across Canada."
The city's total payroll, including those who make less than $75,000, hit about $46 million last year, only slightly up from $45.8 million in the previous year.
In accordance with the Financial Information Act, the city must list all elected officials salaries and all employees making more than $75,000. This act does not include police departments.
TOP SALARIES IN 2012 (excluding police):
1. Frank Pizutto, former city manager, $252,365 plus $7,935 expenses
2. Jim Gordon, general manager engineering, $205,669 plus $3,475
3. Jay Teichroeb, general manager economic development, $201,603 plus 3,250
4. Mark Taylor, former general manager parks and recreation, $194,497 plus $4,047
5. Pat Soanes, general manger finance, $185,809 plus $1,323
6. Mike Pastro, airport manager, $175,813 plus $1,085
7. Don Beer, fire chief, $166,657 plus $4,985
8. Michael Helmer, deputy fire chief, $144,419 plus $3,741
9. Dale Unrau, deputy fire chief, $143,219 plus $4,491
10. Bill Flitton, city clerk, $140,410 plus $1,726