Title
Elected Official Remuneration Policy C-AD22
Proposed Motion
That the Elected Official Remuneration Policy C-AD22 be approved as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion as presented.
Purpose
To present the Elected Official Remuneration Policy C-AD22 to Council for consideration.
Summary
Amendments for the Elected Official Remuneration Policy C-AD22 is before Council for approval. The policy has been updated to include recommendations from the Council Compensation Review Advisory Panel, based on Council's discussions on April 15, 2025. Additionally, Administration has put forward suggestions for the purpose of improving the clarity and transparency of the policy.
Historical Information:
Elected Official Remuneration Policy C-AD22, Section 7, a: "Elected Officials remuneration is to be reviewed mid-term of each four-year council term."
December 13, 2022 - Council approved revisions to Elected Official Remuneration Policy C-AD22.
April 14, 2020 - previous Council approved revisions to Elected Official Remuneration Policy C-AD22.
September 22, 2020 - previous Council approved revision to Elected Official Expenses Policy C-AD24.
On June 13, 2023, Council approved that a third party be secured to review the Elected Official Remuneration and Expense Policy. Council further directed administration to set up a Council Compensation Review Advisory Panel comprised of public members to collaborate with a third-party consultant to present information and recommendations for Council's consideration.
At the June 27, 2023, Council meeting, Council approved the Terms of Reference to recruit public members for the Advisory Panel.
On September 12, 2023, Council appointed three public committee members to the Council Compensation Review Advisory Panel: Tyler Marlatt, Colin Tooth, and Barb Shackel-Hardman.
In the summer of 2024, administration received the Transitional Solutions Inc. Council Compensation and Engagement Survey Results, Comparative Analysis Report. Administration worked with the consultant to clarify and gather additional report information in the fall of 2024.
In February 2025, the Public Member Advisory Panel met to review the consultant report and established recommendations based on these insights and current Council policies.
On April 8, 2025 Council received the recommendations for information and directed administration to prepare a draft version for each policy showing the recommendations redlined within for discussion.
On April 15, 2025 Council discussed the recommendations of the Public Member Advisory Panel and directed that administration provide Council with a chart comparison for mayor, councillor, and deputy mayor salaries for the municipalities of Sturgeon County, Rocky View, Leduc County and Strathcona; and an analysis of the impacts of moving to a base pay structure without per diems.
On April 15, 2025 Council tabled the recommendation that the Deputy Mayor Salary be exempt from COLA increase(s) until such time as it aligns with other comparators for discussion to the May 20, 2025 Governance and Priorities Committee meeting.
On May 20, 2025 administration presented the following:
1. draft versions of the Elected Official Remuneration Policy C-AD22 and Elected Official Expenses Policy C-AD24 showing the outcome of Council's discussion of the recommendations provided by the Council Compensation Review Public Member Advisory Panel within each policy;
2. a chart comparison for mayor, councillor, and deputy mayor salaries for the municipalities of Sturgeon County, Rocky View, Leduc County and Strathcona;
3. an analysis of the impacts of moving to a base pay structure without per diems; and
4. additional recommendations from administration to add clarity to the policies.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Responsible Leadership: Review of the Council remuneration and expense policies fosters the public's trust through transparent and fair decision-making.
Relevant Policies:
1.Elected Official Remuneration Policy C-AD22
2.Elected Official Expenses Policy C-AD24
Financial Impact:
Impacts of policy changes will be reflected in the annual operating budget.