Blind River council approved an amended bylaw on remuneration paid to council members just three weeks before the town’s new council is sworn in.
Under the bylaw approved at Monday evening’s council meeting, Mayor-elect Sally Hagman will receive a monthly honorarium of $1,195.56 for $14,346.72 annually. Councillors will receive a monthly honorarium of $742.80 for $8,913.60 annually.
The mayor will also receive a monthly car allowance of $115 or $1,380 a year, while councillors will receive a monthly car allowance of $86.25 or $1,035 a year.
The daily meal allowance for breakfast, lunch and supper for councillors and town staff on municipal business has been set at $60 with receipts attached to all expense claim reports.
The bylaw also includes mandatory training required by new councillors related to councillor conduct. The conduct amendment requires that those elected to council be trained about their responsibilities councillors within six months of being elected. Failure to take the training will result in a suspension of remuneration until training is done.
The mileage rate has been set at 45 cents a kilometre.