City proposes to increase council salary

City proposes increase to council salary

By Lori Larsen

During the August 16 City of Camrose regular council meeting, administration presented a report to council for approval of updates to the Council Remuneration Policy.

Administration recommended council consider approving remuneration levels in preparation for the incoming council in November.

Currently, the base salary amount for the City of Camrose mayor is $62,534.78 and for council members $21,633.50.

Mayor Norm Mayer began the discussion. “This is an item that seems to get band-aided enough. Nobody ever wants to make a decision, especially during an election year, but I am inclined to think people who want to run for council, especially where they have a job where they are getting paid and they have to hire someone to come in and fill their spot, it is costing them money and I think it is something we have to look at.”

He continued, “The suggestions we have before us are to strike a balance of remuneration for the position of council and/or mayor, based on comparables in other communities and other centres.

“Camrose traditionally has been on the low side– considerably lower than other communities–maybe because we felt donating our time was why we are here, but there are some people who may feel they are not in that position and I think we have to respect that.”

The information brought forward by City administration based on comparisons of salaries (including extended health benefits, CPP, life insurance and WCB) for mayor and councillors to nine other communities and averaging out salaries recommended effective January 1, 2022, the structure of salaries would be as follows: $70,000 (total compensation cost of $77,000) for mayor, and $40,000 (total compensation cost of $46,000) for each councillor.

Councillor Wayne Throndson was not in favour of the proposed increase in remuneration, suggesting $30,000 (for councillors) would be a more appropriate number.

“It is never desired to be the lowest paid in the province and I think that is where we find ourselves. “I would say most people who run do it out of a sense of civic responsibility. It is not for the money. We have had that discussion around this table that it is not about the money, and it concerns me that the more people get paid, we run the risk of watering down that sense of civic responsibility. I am also concerned about the optics of giving a 100 per cent pay increase when we tell our other staff members ‘times are tough’ and we are in the midst of negotiations where we are trying to be fiscally responsible with taxpayers’ dollars.”

Throndson referred to the percentile formula done by the City manager to come up with the proposed remuneration for mayor and council.

“I think at the 20th percentile for municipalities, that gets us around $30,000 for City council, and the mayor would be approximately the same(as current). It might be a slight pay decrease.”

Councillor Kevin Hycha agreed with councillor Throndson, indicating he had concerns with an increase to $40,000. “One of the other items that we have talked about over and over again is the eight versus six (councillors). A city our size has eight councillors, where a normal city would only have six.”

Hycha agreed with Throndson that the optics are not good, considering council has asked other staff to hold or take reductions in salaries. “Then we turn around and increase our wages. Yes, we are far behind, we have always been far behind, so I think the step to $30,000 is a great stride and I would go along with that one.”

Continued on page 16

The stage is set

CITY PAGE

at Recycle with Centra Cam

The stage is set

CITY PAGE

5037 - 51 Street

$179,000

PLUS GST

ZONING DISTRICT:

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Downtown Commercial Lot

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$72,000

PLUS GST

ZONING DISTRICT: DC –Direct Control Land Use, Augustana Neighbourhood

The lands have been used for the operation of a gas station in the past and are being offered for sale as-is where-is without any representations and warranties regarding the land. The purchase and sale contract will include an indemnity in favour of the City with respect to any claims or proceedings arising from the condition of the lands. All offers must be accompanied by a 10% deposit

Lot is subject to all regulations in the Augustana Neighbourhood Area Redevelopment Plan.

Properties for sale by the City of Camrose are subject to conditions in Policy 13.4.0 - Land Development Policy

City of Camrose Unidirectional Flushing

Why the City of Camrose is implementing the Unidirectional Flushing (UDF) Program:

1. To maintain and improve the City’s water quality. 2. To improve water flow and pressure in the water distribution system. 3. To reduce bacterial growth, restore disinfectant residual, and improve water colour. 4. Unidirectional Flushing uses 40% less water than traditional flushing programs due to increased water velocity. 5. In addition to scouring the water pipes, the UDF Program also gives the City the opportunity to check, exercise, and maintain all water valves and hydrants. This year’s UDF program began August 5, 2021, starting with Zone A (in Area 1) and will continue for 2-3 months. Water service should not be disrupted during the flushing process. There may be a slight drop in pressure or a presence of discolouration in the water from the minerals and sediments being flushed from the pipes. If a discolouration is noticed, please turn the tap off for 15 minutes and flush from your bathtub tap until the water is clear. If there are any questions or concerns in regards to the Unidirectional Flushing Program please feel free to contact Charles Klak at the City of Camrose Engineering Department at 780-672-4428.

For additional information,

please visit the City of Camrose website at www.camrose.ca.

WANTED WORKERS FOR 2021 MUNICIPAL ELECTION

The City of Camrose is seeking applications for 2021 Municipal Election Staff to work at the upcoming municipal general election being held on Monday, October 18, 2021. Preference will be given to individuals with previous election work experience. In order to qualify for this opportunity you must: • Attend an election training session that will be held in early October • Have excellent penmanship Application forms are available at City Hall located at 5204-50 Avenue, or to download from the City’s website at www.camrose.ca/election Please mail or drop off completed forms to City Hall by September 7, 2021 to the attention of: Kim Isaak – Returning Officer City of Camrose 5204-50 Avenue Camrose, AB T4V 0S8 kisaak@camrose.ca 780-678-3027

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Apply before September 30 to receive an initial $70 rebate when you replace your old high flush toilet with a new low flush model.

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