Otago regional councillors signed the council's 2010-11 annual report with little debate yesterday.
The report showed the council had achieved a $4.3 million surplus compared with the expected $13.2 deficit, mainly because of a special dividend from Port Otago towards the council's Otago Stadium payments and an $8.2 million tax rebate for its donations to the stadium.
Chairman Stephen Woodhead said many achievements were made during the year in major projects such as water quality and quantity, flood protection, infrastructure replacement and natural hazards.
Chief executive Graeme Martin said it had been a good year and he appreciated the work of staff.
The report also outlined the council's remuneration, Mr Martin receiving a salary of $233,080, the same as in the previous year. The annual cost, including fringe benefit tax, to the council of his package was $304,992.
The council employed 123 staff at June 2011, three earning more than $150,000, five between $110,00 and $149,000, and eight between $100,000 and $109,000.
Mr Woodhead, elected chairman in late 2010, received $96,421, up from $56,441, and deputy chairman David Shepherd $47,516, up from $38,470.
The council's auditors approved the report.
