A new report to Carleton Place council’s committee recommended significant pay increases and expanded benefits for council members beginning with the 2026–2030 term.
The proposal would see honoraria for the mayor, deputy mayor and councillors rise between 16 and 29 per cent to better match comparable municipalities and cost-of-living increases.
The Mayor’s honorarium would rise from $48,434 to $56,298. The funds to the deputy mayor would be $39,585, up from $30,932 and councillors would see $31,668 compared to their current $24,353. The last council increase was approved in 2023.
The report also recommends council members join the OMERS pension plan, bringing them in line with municipal staff and common practice across the sector.
Council members would also be given a choice between joining the Town’s benefits plan or receiving a taxable payment worth 10 per cent of their honorarium, capped at $5,000.
If approved by a formal council vote, total remuneration costs would increase from roughly $262,000 to $341,000 annually once fully implemented in 2027.
The partial increase planned for 2026 (post election) is expected to be covered within the current budget.
Story by Brian Turner
