Council approves pay raises for members of council
MINTO – Taxpayers are giving the town’s mayor, deputy mayor and four councillors a pay bump starting next January.
The pay raises will take effect for the 2026-30 term of council following the October municipal election.
The mayor’s salary will increase from $35,258 to $36,000; the deputy mayor’s from $23,199 to $26,000; and councillors’ from $22,051 to $23,000. Each year council’s pay increases with the same cost of living adjustments received by town staff. With adjustments factored in, the mayor will see a two per cent raise, the deputy mayor 12% and councillors 4%.
Town staff compared Minto to 50 other municipalities with populations between 10,000 and 25,000 and found its pay scale – with the exception of the deputy mayor – to be on par with others.
Town treasurer Gordon Duff previously told council the 12% increase in the deputy mayor’s salary reflects increased responsibilities with the role.
Current deputy mayor Jean Anderson told the Community News the position means taking on the mayor’s responsibilities at times, being on call during incidents (such as recent flooding) and attending committee meetings.
“If the mayor is gone ... then you are the head of council,” Anderson said.
Also included in council’s remuneration package are conference per diems ($98 for a half-day and $173 for a full day), an OMERS pension, a $1,000 health care spending account and milage/expense reimbursements.
