Town councillors ready to hike honorariums

Alicia Boisson
South Peace News

High Prairie Town Council passed the draft policy in regards to the increase in honorariums councillors are to receive monthly. During the regular council meeting of Jan. 24, council accepted the new rates which will have the mayor receiving $400 monthly and councillors $350. The increases come into effect Nov. 1 after the October 2007 municipal election. Before the increase, mayor and council were receiving $275 a month, however even with the increase High Prairie’s council is third lowest paid council in the region with McLennan and Valleyview claiming the first and second ranking. Town Manager Larry Baran says this increase should not be a cause for alarm for town residents. “The increase should be looked at as something that is warranted,” says Baran. “High Prairie is a very dynamic place and the demands on councils today are much greater.” An ad hoc committee, which was comprised of by Harry Jong, Dan Vandermeulen and Charles Collett, made the final decision on the increase after being informed of what the rates were in surrounding communities. “Every community is unique and the expectations of each council’s involvement in those communities are very different,” says Baran, adding in most cases councils are comprised of business people and those involved in extracurricular activities. “The average person does not realize the time and commitment that each one of High Prairie’s councillors put into their position.” Fox Creek is a community of 2,337 people. The town’s mayor currently receive $750 a month for his role. On July 1, 2006, Fox Creek increased the honorarium from $600. Their rate is reviewed consistently to ensure that there isn’t any major jumps in expenses. On the other side of the scale, Swan Hill is a community of 1,807 and they pay a monthly honorarium of $1,000 to the mayor. With a population of 1,856, Valleyview’s town manager Garry Peterson says they pay their council on a per diem basis, with councillor receiving $75 per half day meeting and $150 for a full day. The mayor receives a base of $350 a month and $150 for all meetings he attends. “We justify any increases, or even just the honorarium values by the amount of PR the members do for the community. As well, as we take a look at all the extra time they invest in fulfilling their duties,” says Peterson adding no ad-hoc committee is formed; it is just a decision by council. In 2005, the Valleyview Town Council reviewed the honorarium and determined they were still sufficient. Baran says the final draft will be put through council on Feb. 14 during the regular council meeting for anyone who has concerns.

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