By Spencer Hall, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
At its October 10th meeting, Valemount council approved Council Remuneration Bylaw No. 884, 2023, which will see a three per cent pay increase for mayor and council in 2024.
The mayor’s pay will increase by $3.88 per day for a yearly difference of $1419.07 per year, bringing the 2024 salary to $23,250.95. Council members will see an additional $1.99 per day for an annual increase of $729.02, bringing their salary to $11,944.82 in 2024.
According to Director of Finance Lori McNee, mayor and council salaries are assessed each year. This year, the Village used the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) included in its asset management plan, prepared by Urban Systems.
In the plan, Urban Systems recommended a COLA rate of three per cent to account for inflation.
Speaking on behalf of the Village, Mayor Torgerson said the increase likely won’t be noticeable on resident’s tax bills.
“You might see a couple of cents on your next tax bill. I don’t even know if it will equate to a couple of cents,” Torgerson said.
McNee said the Village’s COLA rate will be reviewed next year as COLA is “much higher” than three per cent.
“Council strives to be as fiscally responsible as possible where they can,” McNee said.
The salary increases will take effect in January 2024.
