Public group may advise on wages

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning StarPublished: June 01, 2010 7:00 PM

North Okanagan residents will provide some input on what their elected officials earn. The North Okanagan Regional District board will consider a staff recommendation today to form a citizens’ advisory committee on compensation. “We want an independent committee to take a look at it,” said Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director. The committee will be made up of three residents who may have previous experience in local government, financial expertise and pay compensation experience. Advertising in the local media will be sought to solicit prospective committee members. The board will make the ultimate decision over any recommendations that come forward, and Fairbairn says the goal is to ensure that people from all backgrounds continue to run for office. “If there is fair compensation, we will attract bright, new, young people,” he said, adding that elected duties do impact careers and personal lives. Any changes to compensation will not be implemented until after the next election in November 2011. “We want to be up front with candidates so everyone knows what’s going on,” said Fairbairn. It’s expected that the committee will be formed by the end of July and a report will be presented to the board by early December. Staff is recommending that the three committee members, who will spend about eight to 10 hours per month put together a report. The committee members will earn a stipend of $300 each to offset expenses.