Post by Rick (Admin) on Jan 13, 2013 17:43:38 GMT -5
City politicians, wrestling with this year's budget, will consider a motion during tonight's committee meeting of council to freeze their wages.
The motion, which was tabled by Coun. Mike Anthony in January of 2011, is being brought forward for discussion by deputy mayor Sean Lawlor after remaining on the general government committee agenda for two years.
The motion, which would put council's annual cost of living increase on hold, was referred to committee, but never brought forward for debate while Peter Chirico served as deputy mayor and chairman of the general government committee.
Lawlor, who moved into the position last year after Chirico was hired on as managing director of community services, noted how long the item has been on the committee agenda and suggested that now is an apropos time to bring forward the motion since council is in the midst of budget deliberations.
“I'm in favour of holding off our increase – if nothing more than to send a message,” said Lawlor, suggesting freezing council's wages may not result in significant savings but will help demonstrate to residents that everyone at the city needs to do their part to help reduce spending.
Lawlor said that's especially true since he has called for every department to seek savings and exercise restraint.
He said serving on council requires a significant commitment and devotion of time. But Lawlor said he doubts any of his council colleagues have sought to serve in public office because of the annual salary.
“It would have to be a lot higher,” he said.
North Bay councillors are paid approximately $18,000 annually, while the deputy mayor gets slightly more and the mayor receives about $56,000.
Mayor Al McDonald said he donates most of his annual salaries to charity.
Salaries have increased each year since 2003 when the council of the day approved a plan that would provide members with an annual pay raise based on the consumer price index. At the same time, council stipends for attending board meetings were eliminated, representing between $300 and $500 monthly for each member.
Before then, council's base salary was increased in 2000. It was the first pay raise in 12 years.
The mayor's salary went to $50,000 from $36,000, with the deputy mayor's pay moved to $17,600 from $9,000. Pay for all other councillors increased to $16,000 annually, up from $9,000.
Anthony said he originally tabled the motion calling for a council wage freeze shortly after the 2010 municipal election during which he campaigned for flexibility in the city's budget. He pointed to tough economic times and noted rising costs, such as hydro and other utilities.
“I have the same feelings now as I did then,” said Anthony, pleased that the motion is coming forward.
He also acknowledged that a salary freeze would result in little savings for the city.
“I do believe it sends a message,” said Anthony.
Also on tonight's council agenda is another motion tabled by Anthony calling for a report and full discussion regarding how an operation review at city will be conducted.
www.nugget.ca/2013/01/13/council-mulls-own-wage-freeze
The motion, which was tabled by Coun. Mike Anthony in January of 2011, is being brought forward for discussion by deputy mayor Sean Lawlor after remaining on the general government committee agenda for two years.
The motion, which would put council's annual cost of living increase on hold, was referred to committee, but never brought forward for debate while Peter Chirico served as deputy mayor and chairman of the general government committee.
Lawlor, who moved into the position last year after Chirico was hired on as managing director of community services, noted how long the item has been on the committee agenda and suggested that now is an apropos time to bring forward the motion since council is in the midst of budget deliberations.
“I'm in favour of holding off our increase – if nothing more than to send a message,” said Lawlor, suggesting freezing council's wages may not result in significant savings but will help demonstrate to residents that everyone at the city needs to do their part to help reduce spending.
Lawlor said that's especially true since he has called for every department to seek savings and exercise restraint.
He said serving on council requires a significant commitment and devotion of time. But Lawlor said he doubts any of his council colleagues have sought to serve in public office because of the annual salary.
“It would have to be a lot higher,” he said.
North Bay councillors are paid approximately $18,000 annually, while the deputy mayor gets slightly more and the mayor receives about $56,000.
Mayor Al McDonald said he donates most of his annual salaries to charity.
Salaries have increased each year since 2003 when the council of the day approved a plan that would provide members with an annual pay raise based on the consumer price index. At the same time, council stipends for attending board meetings were eliminated, representing between $300 and $500 monthly for each member.
Before then, council's base salary was increased in 2000. It was the first pay raise in 12 years.
The mayor's salary went to $50,000 from $36,000, with the deputy mayor's pay moved to $17,600 from $9,000. Pay for all other councillors increased to $16,000 annually, up from $9,000.
Anthony said he originally tabled the motion calling for a council wage freeze shortly after the 2010 municipal election during which he campaigned for flexibility in the city's budget. He pointed to tough economic times and noted rising costs, such as hydro and other utilities.
“I have the same feelings now as I did then,” said Anthony, pleased that the motion is coming forward.
He also acknowledged that a salary freeze would result in little savings for the city.
“I do believe it sends a message,” said Anthony.
Also on tonight's council agenda is another motion tabled by Anthony calling for a report and full discussion regarding how an operation review at city will be conducted.
www.nugget.ca/2013/01/13/council-mulls-own-wage-freeze