After some discussion on an increase of around $1,500 next year to councillor salaries, Comox council voted in favour to raise their remuneration next year.
At the Nov. 3 council meeting, the motion to support a remuneration of $26,371 for councillors and $58,275 for the mayor was approved, however, not without an exchange on salaries.
Coun. Stephanie McGowan said she understands on paper, per meeting, the salary of a councillor for the Town could appear to be a large paycheque but noted there is a significant amount of reading, research and preparation time outside of meetings.
“I don’t expect anybody to necessarily fully understand that. But when you don’t have that other job to fall back on, $26,000 … is not enough to live on,” she explained. “If we leave it how it is, we will be removing a lot of potential candidates for future council table members possibly including myself.”
She added that many people would like to sit at the council table, but can’t afford to take on the role.
“Paying people less than their worth means that they’re not going to be at the table and not everyone at the town is going to be represented and that is not democratic in my mind.”
Coun. Ken Grant noted the increase isn’t that significant, and added councillors spend many hours throughout the week working with citizens outside of meetings.
He agreed with McGown and said he believes the more money offered for a council position, the more people would run in elections.
“I think that $1,500, $1,600 a year (increase is acceptable) - I don’t think it’s a lot, to be honest.”
At the vote, Couns. Minions and Bissinger were opposed to the motion, which will become effective in 2022 following the municipal election on Oct. 15, 2022.
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