Mayor Stubbs will recieve an increase in his allowance.
A BUSSELTON council committee has recommended that the mayoral allowance be increased to the maximum allowable for its city status.
It would lift it from $52,530 to $60,000. The deputy mayor’s allowance is tied to 25 per cent of the mayor’s allowance, so it would result in an increase from $13,132.50 to $15,000.
The city’s policy and legislation committee has made the recommendation, which will be considered at next week’s council meeting, which follows a review of the allowance for the mayor and deputy mayor.
The mayor also gets a $14,000 sitting fee – double the amount of other councillors.
In arriving at the proposed increase the city consulted with four other regional cities, two of which pay their mayor the maximum entitlement.
The proposed changes to the council policy on fees, allowances and expenses for elected members would see one “quaint” allowance abolished – a $25 per day per room mini bar expense.
If passed the mayoral and deputy mayoral increases would be effective immediately, with the increased remuneration to apply for the new financial year.
The mayor also has use of a city-owned vehicle, as has been the case with previous shire presidents.
Councillors receive a standard-issue mobile phone and facsimile machine and a city-owned laptop. The phone and computer can be retained by them at the completion of their term of office, if they serve a minimum 12 months as an elected member.
Each elected member is eligible to claim up to $1000 for corporate attire, which may include a brief case or travel case.