A report about how much remuneration members of city council should receive could be presented and approved in March, well ahead of the November municipal election, according to city administration.
Council authorized the creation of a three-member committee in April to make recommendations on council’s remuneration and expenses. The committee’s creation was in response to the federal government eliminating the tax exemption on one-third of all remuneration for elected officials. This move resulted in a net pay cut for all mayors and councillors; mayors were affected the most since that position is usually full-time.
As of 2018, the salary of Moose Jaw’s mayor was $68,221, while the salary of a city councillor was $22,740. With the removal of the tax exemption, the mayor now receives $53,475 while councillors receive $20,819.
Coun. Heather Eby raised the issue of council remuneration and the status of that project during the Dec. 9 regular meeting.
The committee met in the fall and decided to conduct a public survey to let residents provide feedback to the panel, explained city clerk Myron Gulka-Tiechko. The survey will be distributed in January, while residents will be able to submit their comments in writing or in person during a meeting later that month.
City administration also suggests that the report describe the time commitment elected members have to give for the role, he continued. Space will be made during the January public meeting for past and current councillors to describe the effort and time they give so anyone considering running for office is more informed.
Once that meeting is held, a final report will be created and presented to council in March, so that the topic of remuneration is settled before the November election and finished for budgeting purposes.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, Dec. 16.
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