Is $29K too much for a Saint John councillor's salary?

After almost 15 years without a raise, Saint John city council is about to decide if it's time for a pay boost.

In August, council approved a motion to have an independent management consulting firm review compensation. On Monday, itwill suggest both councillors and the mayor get a salary increase.

• Saint John launches review of council salaries, benefits

Councillors currently get paid about $12,600 a year, plus $6,300 forexpenses. Korn Ferry consultants are suggesting the combined intake be boosted to about $29,500.

For Mayor Don Darling, the firm suggests upping pay and expenses to $74,000 from $57,000.

Saint John has a population of about 70,000.

For city taxpayers who would be footing the bill starting in January, feelings are mixed.

"That's a little much by my reckoning," said Michael McGillivray.

"The bottom line is, they know what their salary's going to be and their allowance is going to be before they're elected," said Medeline Frauley.

But Bob Thomas said if they haven't had a raise in awhile and the city can afford it, then why not?

They know what their salary's going to be and their allowance is going to be before they're elected. Medeline Frauley

"The more we pay them, the better people we get," he said.

Councillors themselves are also divided on the issue.

"I just don't think this is the right time to be doing it," said Coun. Gary Sullivan. "I do believe it is something we should be looking at for the incoming council after the next election."

The more we pay them, the better people we get. Bon Thomas

Deputy Mayor Shirley McAlary said there's nevera good time to announce araise for council, but aboost will have tocomeat some point.

"The mayor and council deserve the raise," she said.

UNB political scientist J.P. Lewis says correct compensation is necessary to lure the talent.

'Never a good time'

"The city of Saint John is a difficult city to govern. And you know, it's kind of hard to imagine that some of these jobs are considered part time, when you think about the challenges that the city is facing," he said.

"These are full-time challenges. There's probably never a good time for politicians to talk about raising their salaries. "

Mayor Don Darling declined an interview with CBC, saying he wants to review the package more before council meets Monday night. Budget talks also on the agenda.