The Town of Hanna council decided its own salaries will remain unchanged. The agreement was made at the Feb. 25 information meeting.

Readers should note information meetings are usually for presentations and discussions only, with resolutions moved to the next regular meeting.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Matthew Norburn presented councillors with a report on how the Town of Hanna council’s remuneration compares to other communities, including Calmar, Beaverlodge, High Prairie, Rimbey, Sexsmith, Coalhurst, Sundre, Athabasca, Nanton and Three Hills. Norburn acknowledged some of the Town of Hanna’s remuneration rates were average or below average. “We’ve probably just fallen behind over the years here,” said the CAO.

He noted the comparison was based on base annual remuneration (“salary”), meeting pay/per diem, mileage reimbursement rates, meal allowances and technology/communication allowances.

Councillors spent most of their time discussing mileage and meal reimbursement; it was noted the Town of Hanna currently pays councillors 50 cents per kilometre for travel in service to the municipality while the town currently pays up to $55 per day for three meals.

It was noted the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides some guidance for mileage and meal rates. It was further noted the provincial government’s mileage rate was about 10 cents lower than the CRA’s.

Councillors agreed their daily meal allowance should be up to $90 per day and if a councillor exceeds that for some reason, receipts would be required.

Looking at mileage, councillors voiced concern that a lower mileage rate doesn’t reflect things like wear and tear on a vehicle, insurance premiums and fuel. They agreed the Town of Hanna should pay the CRA rate of 71 cents per km.

Mayor Danny Povaschuk felt that was fair. “I think 71 cents is not outlandish at all,” said the mayor.

Councillors moved on to discussing what they’re paid to attend meetings. Currently, the Town of Hanna has different rates for councillors depending on whether the meeting requires a half or full day’s attendance and is in town or out of town.

Councillors agreed to simplify it somewhat and go with a flat $30 per hour payment regardless of length or location.

Lastly, councillors discussed their annual salaries, which they are paid regardless of anything else. It was noted the mayor of Hanna had the fourth highest salary out of those mayors examined; it was listed as $20,614. Povaschuk said he was comfortable with his current salary. “Again, I’m not in this for the money,” said Povaschuk. He did note, however, that council work can take up to 20 hours a week and affect a councillor’s regular employment.

During discussion it was observed that when Town of Hanna staff get a cost-of-living adjustment, council salaries are adjusted by the same amount.

Coun. Fred Crowle noted he was comfortable with the council’s current salaries listed at $10,994.

As mentioned, any formal changes to council’s remuneration would have to wait for the next regular meeting of council.