Basil Clarke has been re-elected as Simcoe County warden on the same day the body voted to provide the position with a dramatic salary increase.
On Tuesday, the Ramara mayor received the support of every member of the council to continue serving as warden through 2026.
As warden, Clarke presides over council meetings, speaks publicly about issues affecting Simcoe and serves on several external boards. He has served in the position since the beginning of 2023.
“I am humbled and honoured to receive the support of our council and to continue representing them, our residents and communities as Simcoe County Warden,” the former dairy farmer said in a press release.
During the same meeting, the majority of members also voted for a motion that would increase the warden’s salary from $86,000 to $181,800, starting in 2027.
“In my opinion, Simcoe County is one of the best places to live in Ontario and I’m committed to continuing to help our communities thrive,” Clarke said.
The move followed a recommendation from the council’s governance committee. The motion also accepted another recommendation raising the salary of members from $17,000 to $47,700 by 2027.
The council also re-elected Springwater mayor Jenny Coughlin as deputy warden, a position she has also serve in since 2023. Her $55,000 salary was not increased.
An earlier version of this piece said the salary increases would begin in 2026 rather than 2027.
