By Thomas Goyer
The return to in-person meetings has been responsible in part for a 20 per cent increase in Muskoka District councillor remuneration.
In a staff report to council, the total remuneration for Muskoka District Council was $766,344 for 2023. This compared to $634,494 in 2022, representing a 20.8 per cent increase.
The listed factors impacting the increase include an additional $51,367 in honorariums in 2023 compared to 2022, following a council-approved remuneration increase. Another factor in the increase was a one-time technology stipend of $1,692 per councillor, totalling $37,224. Finally, returning to in-person meetings and conferences for councillors led to an increase of $30,906 in hotel, travel and mileage expenses.
As per the Municipal Act, the treasurer of a municipality is required to provide a statement to council which itemizes the remuneration and expenses paid to each member of council.
Municipal staff stated that travel costs for councillors were expected to increase with the return to in-person meetings and conferences. According to the report, the total expenses were still in line with the approved budget.
An area which saw a decrease was remuneration for conferences. Costs for councillors to attend conferences in 2023 were $7,666.68, a decrease from $8,696.95 in 2022.
To see the report and a breakdown of how much each of your District representatives received, CLICK HERE.
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Mac Redden says
“How can we justify a substantial increase for ourselves when there are so many in need?” questioned Councillor Don Smith.”
“How do we justify an increase of this magnitude when homelessness remains an issue? When many are still struggling to recover from the impacts of COVID on their lives and their businesses, and when the waiting list for public housing in Muskoka is anticipated to jump by 20 to 25 per cent in the next two years?
https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/district-council-defeats-attempt-to-reduce-proposed-increase-to-councillor-pay/
https://southmuskoka.doppleronline.ca/district-councillor-remuneration-hit-766344-last-year/#comment-70586