Lyonel Doherty

Times-Chronicle

Not everyone on Oliver town council agrees it’s high time to review their remuneration.

“It’s a giant waste of time . . . an absolute waste of time,” said water councillor Rick Machial during a discussion on Jan. 10.

Both Machial and Coun. Dave Mattes voted against a motion to form an independent task force (five local citizens) to review council’s remuneration package.

“I think we’re well paid for what we do,” said Machial.

Mattes said Oliver councillors’ remuneration is in line with what councillors make in other, comparable municipalities.

“To tie up staff time to set up a committee and come back and say, ‘we’re in good shape’ . . . I’d rather see staff work on other projects.”

In 1996, the mayor’s position paid $20,585 per year. That jumped to $29,600 in 2021 (an increase of $9,000).

In 1996, councillors were paid nearly $11,000. That increased to $15,786 last year.

Water councillors were paid $4,100 in 1996, but saw a pay raise to $5,900 in 2021.

In 2019 federal legislation eliminated the one-third tax exemption for local government officials. But Oliver council chose not to amend its remuneration bylaw to accommodate the exemption.

In comparison to the mayor’s remuneration, Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff makes $31,271 annually (including expense allowance), while Grand Forks’ mayor makes $24,700 a year. Summerland’s mayor makes $37,123 a year, while Peachland’s mayor brings home $40,000 annually.

Councillors in Osoyoos make $19,000 a year, the highest of 12 municipalities compared.

Oliver Coun. Aimee Grice said it’s time for another review after 25 years, especially with a new round of councillors coming in.

“I like the idea of a community panel in charge of the review; it creates more trust rather than having it done internally.”

Fellow Coun. Larry Schartzenberger agreed, saying the time is right.

“It’s a good time before the upcoming election.”

Councillor Petra Veintimilla mirrored those comments.

“It would be interesting to see what sort of changes come about.”

Mayor Martin Johansen questioned how the task force will be established, particularly how the members will be chosen. He wondered about their expertise and how much they would know about municipal politics and what is involved.

Corporate Officer Diane Vaykovich said there would be a terms of reference for the committee, which would look at qualifications. She also noted that Oliver’s finance officer would guide the panel in its review.