Council will not be asking staff to report back on remuneration for the next mayor and councillors.
A motion put forward by Councillor Gary Gardiner was defeated at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Gardiner says the mayor’s job is a full-time position, and fair compensation should be looked at.
“It warrants significant time, energy, effort and personal sacrifice in my view,” he says. “I think we need to look at how that position is compensated.”
Gardiner says boosting the job’s pay cheque could also help attract candidates for the next election.
Councillor Jamie Lowery did not support the motion.
“I think fair compensation for mayor and council is important, but it’s not nearly as important as finding ways to reduce fees and taxes.” he says. “I see people struggling to pay bills and I think it’s tone deaf for us to be looking at ways to potentially raise our salaries.”
The motion lost by a 7-4 vote.
