Despite a split vote, Sparwood council has given three readings to the remuneration bylaw that sets the pay of mayor and council.
If approved, the mayor would make $65,000 in 2027, while councillors would make $31,000 per year.
Mayor David Wilks said the current pay is not consistent compared to other government positions.
“We never pay ourselves enough and are always worried about what the public is going to say,” he said.
“An MP today as we speak without any added duties and who is just a backbencher makes 209,000.”
Councillor Sam Atwal is against the pay increase and said it’s too much to put on the taxpayers.
“I just don’t appreciate that it will be higher taxes for each resident and each business owner,” he said.
“I don’t see that value coming back for that. There is zero chance of me ever thinking this pay raise would be beneficial for the community.”
The bylaw passed third reading in a 4-3 vote.
It will be up for adoption at a future meeting.
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