The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal has determined an increase of 3% to mayoral and councillor fees for the 2023-24 financial year, with effect from 1 July 2023.
Oddly it is the councillors who vote on whether to give themselves a pay rise or not.
This happens every year, and every year, without fail, Eurobodalla Councillors have voted to give themselves a pay rise, usually by saying that, in doing so, it will attract more people to think about becoming a councillor.
Today, all but Councillor Anthony Mayne, voted:
THAT Council: 1. Note that under the Tribunal’s determination for 2023-24 fees, Council has been recategorised as a ‘Regional Centre’ from a ‘Regional Rural’ classification and the maximum annual Councillor fee is $26,070 and additional Mayoral fee is $64,390 within this category.
2. Make a determination that the maximum 2023-24 annual Councillor and Mayoral Fees be set in accordance with Council’s classification.
In discussion Councillor Mayne spoke of the Bega Council example where for three years in a row Bega Councillors voted NO to an increase with then mayor, Kristy McBain, suggesting that councillors should not be put in a position to vote on their own pay.
"It's the biggest conflict of interest we have," she said at the time.
Reiterating that position Councillor Mayne voted against the motion.
The salary is also increased to tie in with the new classification of Eurobodalla Shire Council which was previously classified as a Regional Rural council. As a result of the 2023 review, Eurobodalla Shire Council is now classified as a Regional Centre.
Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, councils are required to fix and pay an annual fee based on the Tribunal’s determination. A council cannot fix a fee higher than the maximum amount determined by the Tribunal and must pay at least the minimum fee. The level of fees paid will depend on the category that the council is in.
It is common practice for councillors and the mayor to be paid at the maximum fee within the assigned category.
A September budget variation of $59,506 will now be required with Councillors having adopted the maximum fees for their new category.
The increase in salary comes on the same day that Councillors voted to conduct Council Meetings monthly reducing the number of meetings to 10 per year. Now adopted meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of the month starting 12.30pm, with Public Forum the first agenda item. Public Access will be held on the first Tuesday of the month starting 10am.
For the justification of these decisions be sure to read the Council's agenda and watch the Council meeting video where the reasoning is explained.
