During the October 8 regular meeting the city of Cold Lake approved amendments to the Council Compensation Policy, which will take effect on January 1. The changes include increases to council members’ honorariums, per diems, and several additional benefits.
The amendments were recommended by the Elected Official Compensation Review Committee and were previously reviewed by the Corporate Priorities Committee on September 17. Kristy Isert, Manager of Corporate Services for the city, noted that some adjustments particularly to mileage and meal allowances are being handled separately.
“Of note, the proposed or recommended changes to the mileage and the meal allowances are included within a separate policy, and that’s one of the human resource policies that’s being brought forward to the CAO for that to be signed off and implemented,” explained Isert.
The compensation adjustments include a five percent increase to the council honorarium and a 20 percent increase to per diems, with an additional $50 per diem for meetings exceeding eight hours (excluding social events). Meal reimbursements will increase by 10 percent, and mileage reimbursement rate will see a 25 percent rise.
Several new benefits were also introduced. A $1,000 annual Health and Wellness Benefit, a $100 monthly vehicle allowance for business within the city, up to $250 annually for municipal-branded clothing, up to $500 annually for partner tickets to events, a $200 monthly childcare reimbursement, and up to $500 annually for a driver reimbursement.
During the discussion, coun. Vicki Lefebvre sought clarification on the childcare reimbursement, asking if it extended to other types of dependent care. Isert confirmed that the policy had been broadened. “When the additional benefits were incorporated within the policy, following some discussion, it was expanded a little bit to call it ‘dependent care benefit,’” she said.
Council also debated Health and Wellness Benefit. Coun. Bob Mattice inquired whether the $1,000 benefit would be administered through a third party. CAO Kevin Nagoya explained that third-party administration would eliminate any discomfort involved in internally managing potentially personal expenses.
Mayor Craig Copeland expressed strong support for the policy changes, particularly for how they might encourage more individuals with dependents to enter politics. “I think we’re doing the right thing by bringing the pay up a bit. And especially for those that have kids, [encouraging them] to get into politics,” he said. “Some of the numbers here are going to help at least defer some of that expense.”
The motion to amend the Council Compensation Policy was passed, ensuring the changes will take effect at the start of 2025.
