Kelowna Councillor Andre Blanleil feels the time is not right to review the remuneration paid to the Mayor and City Councillors. He made the comments Monday as council set in motion the process to do just that. "I guess I have difficulty even recommending this be looked at again. Just the economic conditions aren't there for increases," says Blanleil. "We are asking everybody to tighten their belts, whether it's our tax increases or negotiations with our union we're asking everybody to be frugal. With the economy I just don't think it's a good time right now." Despite Blanleil's plea, council voted 8-1 to strike a three member community task force which will review remuneration in other similar size communities before coming back with recommendations.
Councillor Robert Hobson argued that, despite the recommendations, it was important for the process to play out on a regular basis. "I do think it is best practice to review it every three years. It doesn't mean that there will be a change upward, there could be a change downward," says Councillor Robert Hobson. "The important thing is the regularity so it's consistent." The task force is struck every three years at the beginning of council's final term. Any increase agreed to does not take affect until after a new council is elected and sworn in. At the present time the mayor garners a salary of $87,902 while councillors earn $30,765. Thirty-three per cent of remuneration paid to Mayor and Councillors is non-taxable. Unlike other communities, Kelowna Council does not receive benefits such as medical or dental plans, something Councillor Charlie Hodge feels the task force should report back on. "The argument is that council members are not an employee and all employees for the city receive a benefit package," says Hodge. "I guess my argument is when we are elected it is a three year term and we are pretty much here for all three years. I am not looking at the remuneration issue so much as I think a benefit package should be available to elected officials much like in other municipalities."
As opposed to picking three members of the community, council has agreed to advertise the task force and ask any members of the community wishing to serve to put their names forward. The task force will be struck in February with recommendations to be submitted to council in May.
Councillor Robert Hobson argued that, despite the recommendations, it was important for the process to play out on a regular basis. "I do think it is best practice to review it every three years. It doesn't mean that there will be a change upward, there could be a change downward," says Councillor Robert Hobson. "The important thing is the regularity so it's consistent." The task force is struck every three years at the beginning of council's final term. Any increase agreed to does not take affect until after a new council is elected and sworn in. At the present time the mayor garners a salary of $87,902 while councillors earn $30,765. Thirty-three per cent of remuneration paid to Mayor and Councillors is non-taxable. Unlike other communities, Kelowna Council does not receive benefits such as medical or dental plans, something Councillor Charlie Hodge feels the task force should report back on. "The argument is that council members are not an employee and all employees for the city receive a benefit package," says Hodge. "I guess my argument is when we are elected it is a three year term and we are pretty much here for all three years. I am not looking at the remuneration issue so much as I think a benefit package should be available to elected officials much like in other municipalities."
As opposed to picking three members of the community, council has agreed to advertise the task force and ask any members of the community wishing to serve to put their names forward. The task force will be struck in February with recommendations to be submitted to council in May.
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