BARRHEAD-The next time Town of Barrhead’s mayor and councillors look at their paystubs, they will notice a substantial increase of over $500 per month.
However, that should not be much of a surprise to them as they were the ones that approved of the increase.
On April 12, councillors unanimously approved an amended Policy 11-001 (Elected Officials Expenses), which is the policy that governs how and how much council is paid.
Chief administrative officer Edward LeBlanc said administration looked into how much other municipalities of similar populations compensated their elected officials and shared the information with the council during their 2022 budget retreat. The report was not included in the public agenda package.
Under the new policy, which is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2022, the mayor will receive a stipend of $3,340 per month, with councillors receiving $2,130.
Under the old policy, the mayor's monthly stipend was $2,770, while councillors received $1,585. For out-of-town meetings under four hours council received $140 per day. For anything over four hours, the rate increased to $275.
The stipends include attending and preparing for all regular, special, or joint councils or committee and commission meetings. It also includes attending hosted events, taking part in public consultations, signing cheques and agreements and any home office costs such as cellphones, assorted office supplies and the Internet.
Not included are any out-of-town meetings, conventions (including Alberta Municipalities and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities), commission meetings or training sessions, and seminars.
For out-of-town meetings under four hours, the mayor and councillors receive $155. For anything over four hours, the rate increases to $355. Councillors can also claim a per-kilometre allowance (based on the current provincial government rate) and receive an out-of-town expense allowance. For out-of-town trips over four hours not requiring accommodation, they receive $49 per day. If accommodation is needed, the rate increases to $88 per day. For anything under four hours, a receipt is required. These amounts are the same as they were under the old policy.
LeBlanc added it has been 14 years since there has been an increase in councillors' compensation package — excluding the annual cost-of-living adjustments or the one-time pay adjustment after the federal government removed elected officials' one-third tax exemption.
"When we were looking at comparables, we learned that several municipalities have added a reimbursement process for associated offices expenses such as printers, printer cartridges, paper, cellphones and the Internet. Something that council chose not to do," he said. "We also noted that councillors are expected to attend an increasing number of public functions and subcommittees, increasing the number of meetings. So based on our review we are recommending a new rate."
Coun. Ty Assaf said he supported the increase, adding under the town's policy, there is full disclosure of council compensation, saying except for some out-of-town functions, the rate is all-encompassing.
"There aren't any hidden costs," he said. "When I looked at the survey, there are municipalities that pay their elected officials a certain amount, but by the end of the month, a councillor could triple the amount they are getting."
Coun. Rod Klumph agreed, adding while the pay increase is helpful, the amount of compensation is not why he ran for council.
"It is to look after the people of Barrhead, but I have to say that since I have been on council, my agenda has been blossoming," he said. "I'm not sure if it is because of COVID, but the number of meetings has multiplied ... it is a big job."
Coun. Dausen Kluin agreed but said the increase was too much to do at once, suggesting a gradual approach.
"We are 14-years behind," mayor Dave McKenzie interjected. "Like anything else, there is a certain amount of catch-up, and it's not like we are zooming ahead."
Assaf added council's workload is also increasing due to the province cutting social programs.
"Cutting services does not mean they are no longer needed. It is now on the back of the municipalities. That is why we have to sit on all the ad hoc committees," he said. "My time away from my work comes at a cost. I have a family that I have to support."
Coun. Dave Sawatzky echoed Assaf's sentiments, adding they need to recognize the councillors, while conducting town business, are not being paid by their employers.
"We have to do something to help those people out. They are taking a loss on their personal income," he said. "In the future, qualified candidates might choose not to run and if we want to continue to have good, quality people we have to be at least competitive."
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
