January 1st marked the start of a new year, and bigger pay cheques for Calgary city councillors.
How much bigger? 3.8% more, as determined by a formula that ties council pay hikes to the average increase of Alberta workers.
The pay hike effectively makes Mayor Naheed Nenshi Canada’s highest paid mayor, with a salary of about $216,000 a year.
That’s about $8,000 more this year.
Councillors in 2015 will make a little more than $115,000.
“I am happy with the way it is,” said Councillor Shane Keating.
“Am I going to stay here, and are you going to attract positive people with less? Probably not,” he added.
“Last year we got zero raise, and next year we might take a decrease because who knows what the economy is going to bring,” said Councillor Jim Stevenson.
Calgarians we spoke with are divided over whether the raises are justified.
Some say it’s fine, because councillors work long hours, including some weekends.
“I think the city’s done a fairly good job – I like Mayor Nenshi,” said Greg Gaalaas.
“Calgary, everybody makes a lot of money,” said Nikita Fraser.
“So, if the mayor makes that, people in the oil companies are making that too,” added Fraser.
Others feel they’re overpaid already.
“Their performance has been abysmal,” said Gordon Wrigley.
“Not even a penny, because they didn’t even fix my back alley, the back lane,” said another man.
In the past, some council members have donated raises to charity, since they’re not allowed to refuse them.
Mayor Nenshi donates 10 per cent of his salary to his family trust.
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