Northern Bruce Peninsula is going to consider increasing wages for it council this week.
Council will be receiving a report from CAO Peggy Van Mierlo-West on June 12, revisiting the topic of wage increases to match 2023 rates after having previously deferred the matter.
The report says municipal council members last saw adjusted wages several years ago.
“This discrepancy between wages and the current economic landscape raises concerns about the adequacy and fairness of compensation. Considering inflation, rising living costs, and evolving job market trends, it is crucial to reevaluate and adjust the wages of council members to ensure there compensation remains competitive and commensurate with their responsibilities,” says the report.
It was determined council compensation lags the 20th percentile of the market by an average of 12 per cent.
In response, a number of recommendations were provided, including:
-Continue the current remuneration structure with both the honorarium and additional compensation for attending meetings, to effectively measure council workload and motivate participation and attendance.
-Increase the honorarium for all council positions by an average of 12 per cent.
-Develop and implement a formal Council Remuneration Policy, effective for the next elected council.
-Starting Jan. 1, 2024, increase the honorarium for all council positions by eight per cent.
These recommendations would result in about an additional $2,000 more for council by 2024 over their current salaries.
Council will be considering this item during its meeting on June 12 at 1 p.m.