Esquimalt’s mayor put a minor pay increase for councillors back on the table Monday night, seeking clarification on the reasons behind a bump in pay for acting mayors.
Barb Desjardins revisited a Sept. 17 council motion that gives acting mayors a five per cent stipend, or $694, for a minimum of two months of appointed duty.
An acting mayor is appointed by the mayor in her absence.
“It was something that was difficult to bring back, but I felt I had to,” Desjardins said.
Among her objections was the understanding that council would hold the line on budget and tax increases.
Regardless, the motion was once again approved by a vote of four to three, with Desjardins, Coun. Lynda Hundleby and Coun. Meagan Brame voting against it. Rookie councillors Tim Morrison, Dave Hodgins, David Schinbein and Robert McKie voted for the stipend.
“It ended up with the same result ... so now we move forward,” Desjardins said.
Councillors receive an annual salary of $13,885, while the mayor receives $34,600.
dpalmer@vicnews.com