Council member pay will be updated with cost of living increases and the public will have the opportunity to weigh in on what that should be and the sorts of benefits that arrive along with the winning of office.
On Oct. 22 council voted to clarify the current remuneration and benefits bylaw, which specified allowance increases related to inflation and stated in the upcoming election year they will appoint a citizens committee on council compensation.
“We just added it to the bylaw,” said Coun. Mark Kemball, of the cost of living clarification. “Nobody does it for the money.”
The monthly base rate for councillors is $910 and $2,130 for the mayor. On top of this honorarium the mayor and councillors get a per diem of $60 for attendance at standing committee meetings such as the municipal planning commission, community services and the library board.
For out-of-town meetings the mayor and councillors get a per diem of $200 for a full day or $100 for a half day. Travel expenses are also covered.
An upcoming review will allow citizens to make sure the local politicians are being paid in line with other towns the same size.
“It'll be an external committee from the committee,” said Coun. Tracey Walker. “Most municipalities do that every few years before an election.”
The remuneration review is currently one of Innisfail's strategic priorities.
