qathet Regional District board has approved a six per cent increase to the directors’ annual indemnity and meeting allowance rates in 2023.
The board has also amended the distance allowance to reference the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) automobile allowance rates for the calendar year.
At the December 20 meeting of the regional board, directors considered the motion that would raise remuneration in line with the consumer price index. According to a staff report, the directors’ remuneration policy allows for the greater of the increase to the consumer price index (CPI) for BC as recorded by Statistics Canada for the preceding 12-month period ending September 30, or zero, if the CPI is less than zero. The staff report indicated the average increase to the CPI for BC for the preceding 12-month period ending September 30 was six per cent.
At the meeting, Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne, when reports were being discussed, moved for a 2.25 per cent increase for the directors’ annual indemnity and meeting allowance rates in 2023. There was no seconder for the motion, so the original motion with the six per cent increase was made.
Gisborne said he understands the board’s policy is that staff recommends a CPI increase, and this year it is six per cent.
“That’s why we have a six per cent increase before us,” said Gisborne. “However, that doesn’t require the board to have a six per cent increase. I don’t really know of anyone in the community who is seeing a six per cent increase to wage increases and I know everyone right now is feeling the pinch.
“I just feel uncomfortable going with a six per cent increase when our union is getting a 2.25 per cent increase. Hence, my motion where I put forward 2.25 per cent.”
Gisborne said the rest of the bylaw is fine. He said meeting allowances and travel expenses make sense because those are reimbursements.
“The cost of ferries goes up, mileage goes up, that’s not money we are putting into our pockets,” said Gisborne. “But that six per cent in the first part is a bit of a sticking point with me. That’s why I don’t feel I can support the recommendation.”
The board voted on the motion to increase the indemnity to six per cent, which carried, with Gisborne opposed.
The passage of the motion led to the directors’ remuneration and expenses bylaw being put to a vote later in the meeting.
On the first two readings of the bylaw, Gisborne said he had made his comments relatively clear on this item earlier.
“I’ve spoken my mind and I’m voting with my conscience and my conscience is that six per cent seems a bit too much for me so I’ll be voting against the bylaw.”
First and second reading passed with Gisborne opposed. Third reading and adoption also passed, with Gisborne opposed.
According to the staff report, increasing the annual indemnities by six per cent will increase the annual budget for directors’ remuneration to $172,141 in 2023, which is a $9,743 increase compared to 2022. The base rate for a regional district director in 2022 was $16,056 and it will rise to $17,019 in 2023.
On top of that electoral area directors receive premiums, as does the chair.
At the December 7 finance committee meeting, directors were presented a recommendation that the increase to the annual indemnity and meeting allowance rates in 2023 be made, and that the board amend the distance allowance to reference Canada Revenue Agency automobile allowance rates for the calendar year.
