Smiths Falls intends to increase the salary for the mayor and council members for the next election.
A staff report showed their current rates are about 15% below the average of neighbouring councils.
Councillor Stephen Robinson said this is a necessary step.
The mayor position in Smiths Falls currently pays $37,772.64, 15% below the average of $44,521.
Whereas a council seat with the town pays just over $19,000, about three thousand dollars less, or 14%, than the area average.
They’re also considering the addition of health and dental coverage as well as a pension plan, which 7 of the 15 reviewed municipalities offer their members.
The latter, Councillor Chris McGuire said, could pique the interest of the younger generation.
Councillor Jennifer Miller said this pay increase could address barriers which exist for the vulnerable sector.
What the actual salaries are going to be will be determined later.
The full and half day per diem offered to Smiths Falls’ mayor and councillors are 10 and 17 per cent below their respective averages, while their’ mileage rate/km is three cents (0.66) higher than the rest.
Story by Grant Deme