Politicians pocket pay hike

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 14, 2008

City of Vernon politicians will pocket more cash in the new year, but not the whopping hike that had been proposed. Current council unanimously agreed Tuesday to increase remuneration for the next council Jan. 1 based on the consumer price index. That decision came after two reports were received from the three members of a citizens committee looking into the matter. In a minority recommendation, former mayor Wayne McGrath suggested a cost of living increase, while the main report — from realtor Peter Lockhart and labour leader Don Main — called for $69,000 for the mayor and $29,000 for each of the six councillors. “Given the state of the economy, I don’t think this is the thing to do,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol of the major increase. Presently, the mayor receives $61,544 while each councillor gets $19,853.

In recommending a cost of living increase, McGrath stated that council remuneration has climbed 60 per cent over the last decade and it compares favourably with other similar-sized communities in B.C. He also pointed out that one-third of the salaries is tax-exempt and there is an expense allowance. While it has been suggested that low remuneration deters some people from entering politics, McGrath pointed to the six people running for mayor and 14 for council seats. “The lack of remuneration isn’t keeping people from running,” he said.

But Lockhart and Main insisted there is a problem with getting people to pursue public office. “There needs to be some increase in compensation if worthy people are to be encouraged to run for council,” said Lockhart. “When people in the business community hear what council members get, it’s almost a joke.” Lockhart’s comments didn’t go over well with Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “There are some qualified people at this table and they chose to serve regardless of this (pay scale),” she said. “We all know what the compensation is when you put your name forward to serve the community.” Main and Lockhart also claimed there was a need for a major wage increase because the community is growing and council members are tackling complex issues that warrant considerable time away from careers and families. “If you look at a private sector board dealing with a $40 million budget, they get paid a lot more than council,” said Lockhart, adding that many politicians donate time to the community.

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Morning Star Editorial: Council right on the money

It's always a balancing act when addressing remuneration for councillors and the mayor by those same politicians who may benefit from the decision. So it's worth noting when those same people get it right. First of all City of Vernon politicians did the right thing by putting it out to a committee consisting of a former mayor, a realtor and a labour leader. It's a good balance and it's at arm's length from the current council. The main recommendation came back with a wage of $69,000 for the newly elected mayor and $29,000 for the victorious councillors, healthy raises from the current $61,544 and $19,853 respectively. And one could make a case that these community-minded members of our city deserve such a hike for an often thankless, time-consuming and vitally important job. However, whenever it's taxpayers' money at the heart of the debate, caution needs to be exercised. Former mayor Wayne McGrath notes the remunerations have already been increased substantially in the past decade (as have taxes) and the current rates are in line with other similarly sized communities. Therefore a cost of living increase seems more appropriate and that's exactly what the current council has unanimously and wholeheartedly approved. In light of the current financial instability, it's also prudent and just. Besides, judging by the numbers putting their name forth for the upcoming municipal election, the compensation issue is definitely not at the forefront of the campaign.And the current council just ensured it would stay that way.