Muswellbrook Shire councilors have been told they have no choice but to accept their latest pay increase, whether they want it or not.
The latest increase in councillors’ allowances, which came into effect at midnight on Sunday, could have pushed Mayor Steve Reynolds’ annual remuneration to almost $50,000, and the allowance for ordinary councillors to more than $22,500.
However Muswellbrook Shire Council CEO Derek Finnigan said current legislation does not allow for increases to be rejected.
“They wanted to take no increase,” Mr Finnigan said, “but they are required by legislation to take an increase.
“So they’ve unwillingly accepted (the minimal rise).”
Councillors will now receive a pay hike of 3.75 per cent, taking the mayor’s annual payment to $21,770, while councillors will receive $10,200 – less than half of the amount they were entitled to.
Mr Finnigan said the councillors are aware of the high cost of living pressures currently experienced by local ratepayers.
“In trying to do everything they can to assist, they’ve taken that decision,” the CEO explained, adding that councillor remuneration is set by an independent tribunal.
“It (the allowance) reflects the categorisation of the local council. Due to increases in the resident and non-resident populations, Muswellbrook Shire has ben recategorised as a regional-rural council.”
Councillors eventually voted unanimously to accept the minimum increase, although Mayor Steve Reynolds was not in attendance..
