Compensation review committee assesses City of Cold Lake elected officials' pay packages

"The committee, which consists of four members of the community and two council members, has been tasked with providing a recommendation to council regarding the salaries, per diems and honoraria that councillors and the mayor receive," according to information from the City of Cold Lake, released on June 13.

Once the committee submits its recommendation, council will deliberate on the proposal. Any modifications to the compensation packages of elected officials would only come into effect after the municipal election, set for October 2025.

“This can be a challenging topic for elected officials, and we find that the best way to have the discussion is to have the issue studied by members of our community,” says Mayor Craig Copeland.

“Some members of council are at the table to give insight into the work that elected officials do, but ultimately community members make up a majority of the committee, and then the entire community will get to vote for their mayor and council before any changes take place.”

According to the City of Cold Lakem the committee is taking on a comprehensive review, comparing pay structures with neighbouring municipalities and similar cities across the province. The analysis will form the basis of their recommendation.

Additionally, the committee is evaluating the level of responsibilities shouldered by elected officials, including appointments, committee involvements, commissions, community group liaisons, conference attendance, and more.

The recommendation will go through public discussion during a standard council session before reaching a final decision through a formal vote. The process is anticipated to conclude before the end of summer.

Chantel Downes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeland This Week