Mayor Peter Chin yesterday issued a media release detailing the 3.5% increase, which came after the council performance appraisal committee reviewed Mr Harland's salary, and the council voted in what is understood to be a majority decision to ratify the committee's decision.
Mr Chin said the chief executive had "exceeded the council's expectations under the terms of his contract".
"... The committee considered the chief executive had been particularly diligent in progressing plans for the new Forsyth Barr Stadium to a position which allowed the council to make a fully informed decision when considering its commitment to the project and, since the council's decision to proceed, that he has continued to play an important role in ensuring the stadium project will come in on time, on budget and fit for purpose."
Mr Harland had also "led the staff in identifying ways to reduce rates increases subsequently included in the long-term community and annual plans", while maintaining high levels of staff satisfaction with the council as an employer.
Dunedin's rates increase this year, subject to a final meeting, is 5.3%.
Asked last night if Mr Harland received allowances or benefits on top of his salary, Mr Chin said he received "the usual benefits" such as a car allowance, but did not have the details.
Last year, Mr Harland and most of the council's 43 other senior managers opted to decline a pay increase, a response to the recession.
What other council chief executives earn: Wellington: Garry Poole, $387,256. Hamilton: Michael Redman, $299,250. Christchurch: Tony Marryatt, $452,945.
