Pincher Creek council mulls raise for mayor

Town council is considering an increase to mayors’ monthly stipends.

The proposed bump came up for discussion at chambers Nov. 28 in the form of a proposed amendment to Pincher Creek’s remuneration bylaw for councillors and mayors.

If passed, the amendment would increase mayors’ stipends by $125 per month, a roughly 11.5 per cent raise from $1,075 to $1,200.

The amendment wouldn’t change councillors’ stipends, now set at $600 per month.

Mayor Don Anderberg recused himself from council’s deliberations, with Coun. David Green presiding as deputy mayor.

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Anderberg spoke briefly on the amendment Friday, explaining that council will decide whether or not to pass the amendment.

“When you’re working for someone, or you own your own business, and you run for council, there’s a cost to that,” he said.

Mayors and councillors are paid $235 for every council meeting they attend. They are paid $120 for committee meetings that run up to three hours and $235 for those that run longer, according to the bylaw amendment.

Crowsnest Pass council upped pay for mayor and councillors this fall, bringing councillors’ monthly stipends to $965, and $1,350 for the mayor. The municipality pays $150 for committee meetings of less than three hours, and $275 for meetings that run longer, according to the minutes of council’s Sept. 27 regular meeting.

Pincher Creek council will revisit the amendment proposal at its next regular meeting Monday, Dec. 12, according to chief administrative officer Laurie Wilgosh.