(Town of Innisfail)

By Sheldon Spackman

Steady As She Goes

Innisfail mayor and councilors opt for no pay raise

Nov 13, 2019 | 12:24 PM

There will be no pay increase for councilors with the Town of Innisfail.

On Tuesday, councillors approved a recommendation from the Council Remuneration Review Committee that their remuneration and benefits remain unchanged for 2020 and 2021.

Heather Whymark, Director of Corporate Services says this means council honorariums will not be increased, nor a COLA (Cost Of Living Allowance) taken.

“Probably not surprised being the budget that came out from the Province, as well as going forward economically,” says Whymark. “I wasn’t surprised that the Committee did present to council no increase. I was however, a little surprised that they went with no COLA.”

Whymark notes, though, it’s always council’s choice to accept the Committee’s recommendation or to change it.

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“They felt that at this point in time, that COLA was not required either,” adds Whymark. “So of course going forward with the budget, we honour the resolution that was passed.”

Whymark feels the message to the community is that council is well aware of the current economic climate.

“That taxpayers are having to adjust their spending and their lifestyle to accommodate with the provincial budget that came down and that council is aware of that same situation in this budget,” she explains. “So it is awareness going out to the community that they are aware of the changes that have come down from the Province, and that we’re trying to be fiscally responsible here as well.”

Tuesday’s resolution means the mayor and councilors will receive base monthly honorariums of $2700 and $1300, respectively, along with per diems of $105 for half-day meetings and $210 for full-day meetings.

According to Town officials, 2017 was the last time mayor and council received an increase to their remuneration rates.

Members of council are also eligible to participate in Extended Health Care, Dental Care and Healthy Initiative benefits, with premiums paid for by the Town of Innisfail.

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