Wages paid to town councillors are poised to catch up to those of similar size communities after the 2021 municipal election.

Last night, town council accepted for information the recommendations of a public task force to increase the total compensation paid town councillors to $41,832. They also accepted making per diem payments for attending council-appointed committees.

The per diem would provide councillors $100 for half-day meetings and $200 for meetings lasting more than four hours.

Because the mayor is the only full-time position, it was believed per diem would only be considered for weekend meetings.

Currently, none is provided.

Compensation provided councillors in 2018 averaged $34,285. Mayor Jeff Genung received $92,177.56.

Included is a base salary and local and administrative expenses.

In making his presentation to council, task force chair Ben Clarke said wages paid to town council have fallen drastically out of line with those paid in similar-sized communities. 

Cochrane councillors are currently paid 34 per cent of the mayor's compensation. The average is 42 per cent, a level the task force suggested be used as a guideline.

"So not only are our councillors' paid less than other places, they're paid less of the mayor's salary than in other places," pointed out Clarke.

He says the past two councils have ignored the increases recommended, leading to the growing disparity in compensation.

The task force said the mayor's wages are 1 per cent above the average and should remain the same, except for cost of living adjustments town council receives each year.

The task force discarded the idea of providing support for child and elder care.

Councillor Tara McFadden asked if there was any appetite to start the per diem payment before the next election. She said the workload has increased with this council and now includes a regular strategic session.

The idea was frowned upon by both Mayor Jeff Genung and councillor Marni Fedeyko, who both said they knew the wage before running for office.

"I think changing that midstream flies in the face of the economy in the province at this point," said Genung. "I know a lot of other communities are going the opposite direction in pay right now, as the province has done."

Professional development expenses were also raised slightly to match those of other communities.

It is estimated the increases will add about $70,000 to the town council budget.

Communities used for comparison were Airdrie, Okotoks, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, and Spruce Grove.

Mayor Jeff Genung pushed for the elimination of the task force to determine compensation and to instead make it an administrative function. 

"I feel that we spend far too much energy, far too much attention, and far too much staff time on council pay. It is highlighted every term, and it becomes an election issue no matter where it lands in the term."

The task force had a different view.

"The consensus was that as elected officials, elected by the public, it was useful to have a public voice with the salary," task force chair Ben Clarke told council.

A revised policy will come back for council to review.