Elliot Lake council is just the latest to give itself a raise to compensate for the loss of a tax shelter.
Last fall, the Liberal federal government voted to discontinue a Canadian income tax exemption for elected officials, which allowed councilors to shelter one third of their subsidies from income tax and CPP premiums.
That tax exemption ended December 31st, so council had three options: take the pay cut, give themselves a raise to equalize the loss or a partial increase in compensation.
Council decided to pass a motion giving themselves a six per cent raise to offset the loss of the entire exemption funding, about six per cent.
It was also noted this is the first raise for council in Elliot Lake since 2005.
Gross salary levels for Elliot Lake Council were Mayor Dan Marchisella; $29,400, Deputy Mayor, Luc Cyr; $10,800 and all other councillors at $9,800 each.
With the raise, the mayor’s gross salary will increase to $32,400 per year, the Deputy Mayor Cyr; $11,100 and the councilors; $10,200 this year.
The salaries for the entire council will be about $94,500 in 2019, an increase of $6,380. The figures do not include funding provided for attending conferences, ongoing training and other governance-related expenses.
