A citizens’ committee has recommended no increase for town councillors’ honorariums.
“It was recommended by the committee that the rates should remain the same,” explained CAO Brad Watson.
The mayor will continue to be paid $19,782 annually and councillors $11,125. That keeps Ponoka’s politicians above the average on the pay scale among central Alberta municipalities polled. The average is $15,456 for mayor and $9,636 for councillors.
There will be a cost of living allowance (COLA) increase on Jan.1.
For full day meetings, the mayor and councillors will be paid $220.
The hourly rate for daily, half-day and hourly meetings increases about 20 per cent to $260 for the day, $130 for a half-day and to $30 per hour.
Mayor Larry Henkelman wondered how Ponoka’s rates of pay compare with rural municipalities.
“You will find as a rule, if you compare the information, the counties are higher,” said CAO Brad Watson.
Councillors may claim expenses at conventions, seminars, conferences and meetings for registration fees, accommodations, meals and subsistence, parking fees and mileage.
Honorariums and expenses for all out of province conventions, seminars, conferences and meetings must be pre-authorized by council.
Councillors were advised to ask these questions to determine the eligibility of a claim:
• Are you appointed by council to attend?
• Are minutes taken and are you the voting representative of council?
• Did you have to leave work to attend?
• If you were not elected, would you attend that function?
Councillors cannot claim for special anniversaries, birthdays, or other types of social functions and political meetings.