Saint John launches review of council salaries, benefits

Saint John councillors have set in motion a review that could see their salaries and benefits increased by the end of the year.

The review follows a motion by Deputy Mayor Shirley McAlary who noted the last council salary increase took place in 2002.

"We now have a full time mayor and 10 very active councillors," said McAlary.

"Why would we not do a review of a bylaw that's 14 years old?"

The motion passed by a vote of 8 to 2.

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Coun. Gary Sullivan and Coun. Greg Norton voted against McAlary's motion.

"With respect I can't support the motion at this time," said Sullivan.

"I think it's something we should put in place for the next election so people walk into it that way."

Councillors in Saint John collect an annual salary of $12,666 with an expense allowance of $6,333.

Mayor Don Darling, who votes only in cases of a tie, told reporters after the Monday council meeting that he too supports the review.

Darling's salary is $38,000 with a $19,000 expense allowance.

"It's not something I complain about, but it does have an impact," said Darling.

"I came into the role committing full time hoursand full time in most people's minds is around 40 hours a week, I'mon many double that."

Salaries for councillors in Moncton are scheduled to jump January 1 to $33,494, with the mayor collecting $83,763.

In much smaller Charlottetown councillors are paid $32,750and the mayor earns$65,500.

Fredericton councillors have a salary of $11,073 and the mayor is paid $33,220.

In all three centres, the mayor and councillors also have access to expense allowances.

Media backlash feared

Fearing a backlash in the media, McAlary used a strategy to keep her motion from appearing in advance on the council agenda.

She introduced it in a closed committee of the whole meeting immediately before the regular council session, a move that allowed her to request it be added to the end of Monday's night's open agenda.

McAlary made it clear she feared unfavourable headlines had reporters seen the motion in advance of the vote.

"That means that the media have the issues and everything before the council members even have a chance to speak about it," said McAlary.

Under normal circumstances the motion would have appeared on the city's website on Thursday or Friday of last week.