Kentville council approves raise for new officials

BY KIRK STARRATT

Kings County Register

As one of the last orders of business before the October 18 municipal election, outgoing Kentville town council approved the pay for incoming councillors.

Chief administrative officer Keith Robicheau reported at the October monthly session remuneration was the subject of an April report by former CAO Bill Boyd. The report was submitted to the council advisory committee and, in July, council directed the survey be updated. A Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities survey also became available. “This is a matter any sitting council is reluctant to deal with,” Robicheau said. “I’ll take responsibility for the recommendation.”

Effective Nov. 12, 2008, the annual remuneration for Kentville’s mayor will be $18,350 taxable income and an allowance of $9,175, for a total $27,525. The deputy mayor will receive a taxable income of $11,850 and an allowance of $5,925, for a total of $17,775. A councillor will receive a taxable income of $10,500 and an allowance of $5,250, for a total of $15,750.

The old rates were $26,800 total annual remuneration for the mayor, $16,200 for the deputy mayor and $11,600 for a councillor.

An annual cost of living increase, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Nova Scotia, has been provided for.

Councillor Dennis Kehoe moved acceptance of the recommendation. He said the new rates would put Kentville in the middle, between Wolfville and Kings County. Deputy Mayor Mark Pearl said the proposed rates would be in line with other comparable towns.

Included in the allowance portion of the annual remuneration, the Kentville mayor will be paid $200 per month and each councillor will be paid $100 per month as composite allowances for travel within Kings County and high speed internet. These rates will be reviewed at least every two years.

Political pay • Wolfville: mayor - $24,356 total annual remuneration; deputy mayor - $15,553; councillor - $13,293 • County of Kings: warden - $35,437; deputy warden - $24,439; councillor $19,551 • Berwick: mayor - $14,554; deputy mayor - $6,555; councillor - $5,976