In a 3-1 vote, Irricana council approved a remuneration policy May 21, that will result in a $200 per month pay increase for the mayor and councillors.
“It will take care of the people doing a very difficult, very time-consuming job,” said Deputy Mayor Larry Martin.
The new policy will see the monthly rate for the mayor increase from $700 per month to $900. Councillors rate increases from $400 per month to $600. Mayor Lisa Constantini told council her commitment as mayor takes her away from her other job, and primary source of income, at least two days per month. She added remuneration should at least cover the time away from primary income jobs.
Martin said he felt the new policy, which outlines council duties such as regular meetings, special meetings and committee meetings, will show residents considering running for office how much work and time commitment is required.
The policy will be set for the next council and will remain the same until six months prior to the end of the subsequent term.
Councillor Peter Dunn took issue with the procedures for honorariums from time spent on committees or boards.
The policy reads, “If a council member is on a committee, board or commission that receives a separate honorarium, the amount of that honorarium will be deducted from the council member’s base salary.”
He said he would rather see that money go back to the committee or board rather than the Town.
“I don’t want to see the Town benefit that way from my efforts,” he added.
Things got heated in the meeting when Dunn told council honorariums were not an issue until council went on a “rampage” after changing from an hourly rate to a flat rate remuneration policy in April of 2012.
“The way I see it, I just have to come to two meetings a month,” said Dunn. “I don’t think there is anything clear there as to responsibilities and what we get paid for (in the remuneration policy).”
Martin read from the policy, which states a “monthly base salary is an all-inclusive amount provided to council members for their time and services with respect to attending to municipal matters.”
“It seems pretty clear to me there,” Martin added.
Councillor Josh Taylor was absent.
