Yorkton Council unanimously adjusted what they will receive in pay in the years ahead at its regular meeting Monday.
The Remuneration of Council Policy sets the salaries of Council Members, explained Jessica Matsalla Director of Legislation & Procedures, with the City.
鈥淚t was last amended in October of 2018, when the Federal government removed the tax exemption on one-third of Council remuneration. The subsequent change in remuneration was made to offset the income tax changes in an effort to ensure that the Mayor and Councillors would receive the same amount of net pay prior to the federal income tax changes,鈥� said Matsalla.
The policy was developed after a review that was completed in 2011-2012 by a Committee comprised of community members at large.
Their research resulted in a recommendation to base council salaries as a percentage of a Saskatchewan MLA. The end of the fiscal year for the provincial government is March 31st and changes to MLA salaries typically take effect April 1st. These changes impact Council such that when the MLA鈥檚 reduced their salaries by 3.5 per cent, Yorkton City Councillors also has a reduction of 3.5 per cent, explained Matsalla.
The mismatch between municipal and provincial fiscal years proves difficult when it comes to budgeting for Councillors鈥� salaries. For that reason, it was proposed to amend the policy to include a timeline for salary changes.
The other recommendation was to remove Deputy Mayor Pay.
鈥淲hen polled, the cities of Melfort, Martensville, Swift Current, Humboldt, Weyburn, Estevan, North Battleford, and Saskatoon all responded that those appointed to Deputy Mayor are not given extra compensation. Melville provides $75/month served and Meadow Lake provides $200/month served,鈥� explained Matsalla.
鈥淲hen Council held regular Committee of the Whole Council meetings (Legislative, Governance and Priorities Standing Committee,) Deputy Mayors were expected to Chair these meetings. With a restructure to meetings in 2017, this duty became scarce. Deputy Mayor appointments are still assigned, but the frequency that a Deputy Mayor must fill-in for the Mayor has been minimal.鈥�
It was also part of the motion passed to clarify the requirement for the terms served for Deputy Mayor to be cumulative of at least eight months, and not consecutive.
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