There are mixed views among Quispamsis councillors over a proposed wage increase for incoming council members.
An independent consultant hired by the town recommends adjusting council salaries to align with the market median.
The review, which looked at salaries from 12 Maritime municipalities, found Quispamsis council compensation is “under market” and close to the 25th percentile.
Under the proposed changes, the mayor’s salary would climb to $51,750 from $40,342, an increase of more than 28 per cent.
The deputy mayor would see their salary rise by 15 per cent (or $3,174) to $24,606 while councillors would get a 19 per cent boost (or $3,380) to $21,489.
“The adjustment to Council compensation will ensure the Town keeps its competitive edge,” said a staff report to council.
Coun. Pierre Rioux, who is stepping down at the end of this term, said he does not think now is the time to be considering a wage increase.
“We have so many residents who are struggling, who have used up their savings, who are moving on to other means of trying to keep themselves going, and businesses collapsing and so on,” said Rioux.
“I wanted to make sure the citizens knew there was at least one councillor on the council who was perhaps thinking of them and thinking this is a bit rich right now to see this increase.”
Mayor Gary Clark, who briefly stepped aside as chair of the meeting to offer his opinion, said he has the same view as Rioux.
“I find that a 28 per cent increase is not modest,” said Clark. “I find this a large, high number.”
But not all councillors are opposed to the idea of raising the wages for future council members.
Coun. Sean Luck, who does not plan to re-offer in the May municipal election, said he thinks a median wage is a start.
“Mayor and councillors should be renumerated at a level commensurate with the vocation that we’re all doing,” said Luck. “Quispamsis is progressive, we’re a vibrant and growing community, and it should not be in the 25th percentile with remuneration of councillors.”
Deputy Mayor Libby O’Hara, who previously announced she plans to run for mayor, said she agrees with Luck.
“If we are below the 25 per cent and just coming up to the median then that would tell me that we are still beneath where market value would have us,”
O’Hara said she does not see this as a wage increase, but rather an adjustment to the median wage.
“I look at this as market value,” said O’Hara. “It’s where it should be, it’s going where it should be. There’s still a ways to go.”
Coun. Kirk Miller said he would also support raising council compensation, especially if it encourages more people to put their name forward for office.
“For those that don’t think that we’re worth it, please come to some of our committees and meetings. It is a lot of work,” said Miller. “I learned this nine years ago when I first started. It takes a lot to be prepared.”
As part of the proposed changes, the professional development budget for council members, which is used for travel and training, will decrease to be in line with market.
The mayor’s budget will decrease to $4,000 from $11,898, the deputy mayor’s will fall to $3,500 from $6,072, and each councillor’s budget will drop to $3,500 from $5,555.
Council approved the first and second reading of the required bylaw changes during Tuesday night’s meeting. It still needs to come back to council for third reading at a later meeting.
