Centre Wellington council approves increased remuneration

ELORA – Centre Wellington council members have voted themselves a hefty raise next year: 18% for councillors and 13% for the mayor.

The 2024 remuneration rates were approved by council on Sept. 25.

The new annual rate for councilors, before expenses and per diem rates, will be $28,072, up 18% from $23,716. The mayor’s base rate will be $53,397, up 13% from $47,286.

Mayor and councilors also receive $80 per day for meetings, $115 for full-day workshops, and $90 for half-day workshops

The figures are based on a council remuneration market review conducted by Marianne Love of ML Consulting.

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Councilors discussed the review and recommendations during the Sept. 25 meeting, including the importance of a fair salary in terms of attracting and retaining diverse and talented people to council.

While council remuneration rates increase in proportion to the cost of living each year, the consultant report states the increases have not been sufficient to keep Centre Wellington rates comparable to similar townships.

Councilors discussed the option of a township-funded contribution to registered retirement savings plans, or to sign up for the Ontario Municipal Employees’ Retirement System.

Council voted unanimously to opt out of both retirement plans.

In 2018, the mayor and councilors of the time went against a consultant’s recommendations for remuneration and instead set their own rates.

In 2021, the council decided not to conduct a remuneration review. Mayor Shawn Watters said when remuneration is reviewed close to an election, the issue often becomes “politicized.” He noted the start of a new council term is a better time to review remuneration.

Moving forward, remuneration reviews are set to take place every four years.