City manager Niki Anderson and Regina Police Chief Farooq Sheikh were the top two highest paid city employees in 2024 – both are currently on leave. Anderson received a total salary of $317,112 in 2024, which is up from $297,173 in 2023. For the past two years, Anderson has been the highest paid city employee – she was also the sole employee to cross the $300,000 benchmark in salary. Since April 29, Anderson has been on leave – with city clerk Jim Nicol serving as the interim city manager. The announcement of Anderson’s leave was made public on April 29, following a special council meeting. No other details have been provided as to the nature of her absence – with Mayor Chad Bachynski simply describing it as a “a personal matter.” RPS Chief Farooq Sheikh came in close behind – reporting an annual salary of $273,100. Sheikh officially assumed the role as chief in December of 2023. On April 4, the Regina Police Service announced that Sheikh had been temporarily removed from active service following a complaint from a member of the public to the Public Complaints Commission (PCC). The top 10 highest-paid employees with the City of Regina last year are as follows: Other employees paid more than $200,000 included Jim Nicol (city clerk and acting city manager), Regina Public Library Jeff Barber, fire chief Layne Jackson, Economic Development Regina CEO Chris Lane and Buffalo Pound Water Treat Plant CEO Ryan Johnson. Former president and CEO of REAL Tim Reid also made the list – stemming from severance and other payments related to his termination in early January of 2024. The accounts show that Reid earned $22,060 for his work in January and $187,757 in “other renumeration” for a total of $209,817. A total of 23 employees working for the city were paid more than $200,000 in 2024. This marks an increase from 18 in 2023 and 11 in 2022. Former chief financial officer Barry Lacey earned $146,398 in salary and $177,709 in “other renumeration” when he retired in July following eight years in the position. RPS superintendent Kelly Trithart and REAL vice-president of corporate finance and operations Scott Manson earned $199,567 and $194,696 respectively. Next on the list was the former chief of staff for the city manager Ly Pham – who was paid $192,197 in 2024. Pham was one of three city employees who were terminated the day after Anderson was reported to be on leave. Former Mayor Sandra Masters received $151,564 in base salary in addition to $7,924 for travel and $14,882 for a car lease. Former city councillors were paid $55,537 for their final term in office. The city employed 5,168 people in 2024 – 200 fewer than in 2023. Wages and benefits accounted for approximately 46 per cent of the city’s expenses for 2024.
