Erin council assessing impact of end to tax exemption

Council here has asked staff for a report on the impact of the elimination of the one-third tax free portion of elected officials’ salaries.

“This probably has implications that will be a relatively large expenditure I think for many municipalities,” said councillor John Brennan, who raised the motion.

“What I want is staff to come back to give us what it would cost, what the implications are and that sort of thing so we’re in a position to make a sensible and sound decision based on facts for the next term of council.”

In 2019 the federal government plans to remove the long-standing tax exemption on one third of the salary paid to an elected member of council.

The tax-free portion was deemed to be for “expenses incurred in the discharge of the member’s duties.”

Councillor Matt Sammut said he supports the motion.

“Council does not make a lot of money,” he said.

“We are here primarily to help our community develop and build out. So in a small community you don’t do it for remuneration, and taking another hit may very much compromise the quality of people who come forward to actually run for the position.”

Mayor Allan Alls said the amount council is paid is “ridiculous.”

“Quite frankly, $15,000 a year for the kind of work that you gentlemen put in is not at all reasonable - actually (it is) ridiculous,” he said.

“Most people run for the betterment of the community but it shouldn’t cost you money out of your pocket.”

The motion passed unanimously.