Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 03, 2009 7:00 PM
Rural residents could have some say on whether their politicians get a wage hike. The North Okanagan Regional District board will consider a recommendation today that a committee be formed to review electoral area directors’ remuneration. The committee would be made up of three citizens. “It’s a fair way to go,” said Herman Halvorson, rural Enderby director, of using residents to set salaries. “Elected officials shouldn’t be setting our wages.” As part of the process, the committee would consider directors’ duties and the compensation package in other jurisdictions. Any recommendation from the citizens’ committee would then be put before the board for possible ratification. “As a matter of course, these things should be reviewed,” said Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director.
Fairbairn doesn’t believe the process will automatically lead to an increase. “We want to see if we are in line. It could be that we’re out of line and it goes the other way (down).” Presently, the five electoral area directors each receive an annual indemnity of $666. There is also $139 per meeting and $412 each for travel. In 2008, Halvorson, who is also NORD chairman, was paid a total of $33,480. Fairbairn earned $33,214. Any actions from the citizens’ committee would not be implemented in 2011, which is also an election year. “It would be the new, incoming board and not for ourselves,” said Fairbairn. Halvorson believes remuneration information is necessary for any candidates who may decide to run for office. “Everyone will know what they’re getting into,” he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment