Peachland council had a lively discussion on Tuesday (Nov. 26) about changes to remuneration for councillors.
After debate, council approved increases to per diems and travel allowances, sparking differing opinions on the value of the changes.
Councillors will now receive $50 for events lasting less than four hours and $100 for those lasting more than four hours. These per diems cover additional time and expenses for official activities, such as conventions and conferences.
Councillors regularly attend three major conventions: the Union of BC Municipalities, the Southern Interior Local Government Association, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. These events typically span a week, and the new policy ensures councillors are compensated for their time. The district香蕉视频直播檚 Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) must approve any other events eligible for per diem payments.
Another amendment increased annual business and conference travel allowances. The mayor香蕉视频直播檚 allowance rose to $15,000, while councillors香蕉视频直播� allowances increased from $3,750 to $5,000.
Councillor Terry Condon opposed the changes, questioning the lack of scrutiny on how funds are used. 香蕉视频直播淭o simply provide us with a budget that says you have up to 香蕉视频直播榵香蕉视频直播� amount, doesn香蕉视频直播檛 matter what the amount is, doesn香蕉视频直播檛 really ask us to justify why we are going on these various events,香蕉视频直播� he said.
Mayor Patrick Van Minsel emphasized the importance of attending conventions. 香蕉视频直播淎 prime example is our childcare,香蕉视频直播� he said. 香蕉视频直播淲e would have never gotten that without going to those conferences. I see this as a return on investment. If you invest in your council, your return will be there.香蕉视频直播�
Condon acknowledged the value of conferences but argued they should be part of the job. 香蕉视频直播淭o me, that香蕉视频直播檚 included in the stipend that I get as a councillor,香蕉视频直播� he said, adding that he supported reimbursing reasonable expenses with proper receipts.
Councillor Alena Glasman agreed with the mayor, highlighting the costs some councillors incur to fulfill their roles. 香蕉视频直播淧roper remuneration for what we are doing is important,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淭here are a lot of people I know who would never throw their hat in for an election based on the fact that we make less than poverty level.香蕉视频直播�
Condon maintained his concerns, saying, 香蕉视频直播淭he purse strings seem to be open a little further than the kind of scrutiny that I think we need to be under.香蕉视频直播�
In addition to the per diem and travel changes, council voted to raise the deputy mayor香蕉视频直播檚 salary by 10 per cent. Currently, the deputy mayor earns the same as a councillor, $19,000 per year.
