Committee Looks At Council's Pay

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM  Wednesday, 14 September 2011 10:07

Do Vernon council members deserve more pay? That question will be looked into by a four person committee appointed by council, a process that occurs every three years, coinciding with municipal elections.  Any changes wouldn't take effect until January, after the voting for councils, regional districts and school boards on November 19. Councillor Bob Spiers--who still hasn't decided if he'll run for re-election--says council's pay deserves to keep up with inflation. Spiers  tells the media, "A cost of living increase is hopefully what they come back with (recommendation to council)."  Among the committee members are former Coldstream councillor Jack Borden and Vernon businessman Pat Lett. Also on the panel are Bob McDonnell and Joanne Weatherill.  Vernon's mayor received $63,469 in remuneration in 2010, while the six councillors received base pay of $20,474.  Kelowna city council on Monday passed a motion that will freeze council members pay for the next two years, which long time councillor Robert Hobson called "punitive" to not to allow for cost of living hikes. Hobson tells the Kelowna Courier, the salaries will fall further behind their peer municipalities, setting the stage for possible big increases in the future.