Is the mayor worth more than $71,000 a year?

Wednesday evening's city budget deliberations took an interesting, unscheduled turn when Councillor Noella Rinaldo brought up the possibility of increasing the city's mayoral salary.

She said it had been mentioned by the Timmins Chamber of Commerce in recent years.

"We discussed what was the proper time to bring it up," said Rinaldo.

It was not scheduled to be on Wednesday's agenda, and it appeared to have caught Mayor Steve Black off guard. He immediately declared a conflict of interest and left the chambers. Current Deputy Mayor and Ward 2 Councillor Walter Wawrzaszek kept the seat warm.

Rinaldo said the mayoral salary is 'considerably low' compared to other municipalities, especially since it is now considered to be a seven-days-a-week  job.

"The position has definitely changed in the last 15 years, since it was made a full-time position. That was something that even the Chamber of Commerce brought up."

Rinaldo stated the current salary for the position is approximately $71,000. For reference, Greater Sudbury's Mayor Brian Bigger made $143,347 in salary and benefits in 2016 according to the Municipal Act.

She called it an 'awkward conversation' but one that 'should be brought up', but likely only for the next term. Municipal elections take place next October.

Simply put, she said an increase is needed, as the costs of living continue to rise.

"To continue to attract people in that position, and the calibre of people that we're looking for, and the work that's involved there."

She realized it wasn't likely to work in the current budget, but that it should be discussed sooner rather than later. She added that it was only the mayoral salary in question, and not that of council members.

Councillor Pat Bamford said he recalled what previous councils did was create a 'citizens committee' to get the discussions outside of the council chambers, but still 'within an arm's length.'

"Then they make a report, and we review the report."

Councillor Mike Doody said he fully supported the concept of increasing the mayoral salary. Andrew Autio for TimminsToday

Up next was Councillor Mike Doody who said back in the day when he was Mayor (from 1977 to 1980), the position paid $17,000.

"That's when I realized I had to go back to work at the television station part-time," he said, referring to his days as a local TV presenter.

Part of the need for a salary increase, according to Doody, is the amount of nuisance phone calls a mayor receives.

"I have seen the position evolve over the years, and a mayor today, not just in Timmins, is a seven day job. Seven days a week you are working. You're getting calls at all times of day and night. There's no reasoning, by some people, that it's a Saturday night, it's a Sunday."

Doody said additionally in today's economic climate, a mayor is expected to attend countless conferences and meetings as they attempt to entice business and enterprise to their communities.

He agreed that it should be an outside committee making the actual number, and not the members of council.

Councillor Rick Dubeau said he supported the idea 'one hundred percent' and surprisingly made a very bold suggestion.

"We should increase the Mayor's wages, going forward and we'll talk about this, by at least 50 per cent."

His reasoning was that if the city aims to attract and retain quality, educated individuals to help lead the community, a significant wage increase is needed.

Councillor Andrew Marks said he also supported the idea, and asked CAO Dave Landers what the appropriate course of action was for council.

Landers replied that if it's the wish of council, it should be added to the next regular meeting's agenda, which satisfied Marks and ended the discussion. That meeting will take place on November 28.

Want to know what other northeastern Ontario mayors make? You're welcome