Task force recommends more money for Penticton mayor and council

PENTICTON – A task force committee looking into remuneration for Penticton's mayor and council is recommending the politicians get a pay increase.

The committee is recommending Mayor John Vassilaki get a five per cent pay increase, or $275 per month. It suggests councillors an eight per cent raise, which would also work out to another $275 per month. The report suggests the base rate of pay be reviewed before the end of 2025.

Benefits are also recommended to be made available for council, with 100 per cent of the cost borne by the individuals participating.

The committee also recommends adjusting the rate of remuneration for mayor and council each year to offset the additional one-third taxation incurred since Jan. 1, 2019, with retroactive compensation to Jan. 1, 2019.

The changes to compensation come in at an estimated cost to taxpayers of $35,849 more this year.

The task force was created last November following the introduction of new tax legislation that eliminated the tax free portion of a municipal politician’s remuneration. Council decided to create an independent four member body to look at the issue as well as compensation review and extended health and dental benefits for council.

The recommendations are coming before council at tomorrow’s regular council meeting, June 18.

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