Nanaimo Council boosts salary to offset incoming tax changes
Nanaimo councillors have bumped up their salaries, citing incoming changes to federal tax laws as the reason for the increase.
During Monday night’s meeting Council voted 8-1 in favour of increasing salaries to offset Canada Revenue Agency changes set to take effect next year. The changes would have seen a councillor’s take-home pay reduced by nearly $5,000.
With the approved increase, councillors will now take home $34,975, an increase of $1,200 compared to 2018 wages. The mayor’s salary will increase $15,000, however net pay will not change from $81,000. A staff report said the changes represent a .07 per cent increase in property taxes in 2019.
“Those who choose to engage in public service often do so at great sacrifice to their family time, if they can keep their families together. I can assure you I’ve recognized a high divorce rate among active politicians,” mayor Leonard Krog said.