Council here approved a two per cent pay raise for council members along with the passage of the 2013 budget on April 9.
Councillor Neil Driscoll questioned the need for an increase to council salaries.
“I don’t see where I’m doing anything more that I need to have a raise,” he told council.
Mayor Bruce Whale pointed out that a previous council had agreed that council would get the same percentage increase in salary as staff receives.
Earlier in the budget process, council agreed to increase staff wages by two per cent for 2013.
“That way we don’t have to keep having this discussion,” Whale noted.
Per diems unchanged
Councillor Mike Downey pointed out that per diem rates paid to council for council business beyond regular meetings haven’t changed in 12 years.
The bylaw implementing the increase passed with councilors Downey, Andy Knetsch and Jim Curry in favor and Driscoll opposed.
The increase means the mayor’s annual base salary moves from $15,940 $16,271. Salaries for other members of council rise from $12,398 to $12,655.
Remuneration rates for other council business over and above regular council meetings remain unchanged at $120 for a full day, $70 for a half day and $50 for a night meeting, with the same rates applying for attendance at conferences and seminars.
