Who, me, give up my raise? Not a chance

UPDATED with salary, per diem amounts

By Kate Harries AWARE Simcoe November 9 2011

Councillors’ remuneration is one of those items that looms large in symbolism for the publc.

But when well-known skinflint Ralph Hough proposed today that in 2012 councillors forego a proposed increase to their remuneration, the Oro-Medonte deputy mayor got scant support from other members of the corporate services committee. 

Warden Cal Patterson told Hough he didn’t agree, and Springwater Mayor Linda Collins said that such a move is short-sighted. “If you don’t give yourself a little increase as you go, then all of a sudden you’re faced with a big increase,” she said, emphasizing however that she’s not in politics for the money.

Only Essa Mayor Terry Dowdall stepped up to second the motion and on the vote, Hough and Dowdall were the only two in favour. Even Penetanguishene Mayor Gerry Marshall, usually a leading penny-pincher, voted against. 

Councillors receive a per diem of $212 per meeting attended and a salary of $8,479 a year. The warden  receives a salary only of $55,000 a year, plus a vehicle. These rates were established January 1, 2008 and have not changed. Now, there is provision in the 2012 budget for a 2 per cent raise. The deputy warden receives a salary only, at 2/3 of that paid to the warden, namely $36,667 a year.   

The budget is working its way through the three standing committees and there’s a consensus that a 2 per cent increase to the levy is reasonable. There’s controversy over a $1.5 million donation to Lakehead University and increases to the complement of staff in the county’s communications department (“We almost have as much staff as the A Channel,” Dowdall complained), and Marshall is asking that $1 million of a $4.5 million surplus be used to lessen the impact on taxpayers (not likely to happen). 

The fnal decision rests with County Council that will debate the budget at its November 22 meeting.