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It was perfect weather last night (Dec. 21) to put a freeze on
remuneration. And that's just what Huron-Kinloss council did.
Deputy mayor Wilfred Gamble led the charge as the resolution came
forward to adjust council salaries to match the rate negotiated for
non-union personnel, which was a one-per-cent wage increase.
"We should reject this (motion) and freeze our salaries," said Gamble,
"as a show of good faith to the taxpayers."
Administrator Mary Rose Walden cautioned council that by doing this it
sets the township that much further behind other municipalities and then
Huron-Kinloss will require a wage hike to play "catch-up" with its
neighbours.
Councillor Anne Eadie suggested appointing a committee, independent of
council, to review the remuneration. "The committee should consist of
staff and members of the public," she said. "We should do it for the
next council." [Next year is an election year.]
Mayor Mitch Twolan said Bruce County council froze its per diem rate and
its salaries.
"I think it puts us in an awkward position to be deciding an increase in
our own salaries," said Eadie.
"We should freeze our salaries for 2010 and set up a committee to decide
for the next council," said councillor Jim Hanna.
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"We should defeat this motion and let the new council what
it wants to do," said councillor Don Murray.
Twolan said council is elected to make this decision on its
own remuneration, in comparison with other municipalities.
"Who is going to be on this independent committee and who
really knows all the work involved in being on council?"
asked councillor Lillian Abbott.
"It would include former reeves, councillors and business
people," said Eadie.
"That's exactly who you would ask," agreed Hanna.
Council defeated the motion and placed a one-year moratorium
on an increase to council remuneration.
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