Generally, the salaries of the mayor and council in St. Thomas are less than the average of stipends paid to municipal politicians in 10 comparable-sized municipalities across the province.
At just over $75,000, Mayor Joe Preston is making about 10 per cent less than the average salary of the mayors in comparable municipalities.
As for members of council at $28,000, they are coming in at about 15 per cent less than councillors in those municipalities.
And so, Graham Dart, Interim Director of Human Resources, is recommending that council adjust the salaries to be received by the incoming members as of Jan. 1 of next year.
So, if approved, the new mayor will receive a salary of $83,699 and councillors $33,491.
Written by Ian McCallum
