Saint John council has voted in favour of a salary increase — but the amount they bring home will not change.
The federal government is scrapping a tax exemption allowing municipal elected officials to claim one-third of their salaries as tax-free.
It means Saint John councillors would lose $3,000 in after-tax income while the mayor would lose $9,000.
According to a city staff report, the allowance was established in 1946 “to compensate officials who were incurring expenses without being adequately reimbursed.”
As of Jan. 1, 2019, the mayor’s new salary will be $88,000 — an increase of just over $12,500.
The deputy mayor’s salary will rise by nearly $4,000 to $42,600 while a councillor will make $3,000 more at $32,600.
Councillors Greg Norton, Sean Casey and Gary Sullivan voted against the increase at Monday night’s meeting.
Story by Brad Perry
Twitter: @BradMPerry
Email: perry.brad@radioabl.ca
(Photo: Brad Perry/Acadia News)
