Moncton city councillors passed a motion on Monday night that could bring them pay raises as early as January 2017 with the mayor defending the increases as a "cost to democracy."

While serving as a city councillor, Dawn Arnold twice voted against the pay raise — once in April and again on May 3, one week before the election that elected her as as mayor.

"There's never a good time to do something like this, but we as a council feel very committed to moving Moncton forward and you know what, there's a cost to democracy," said Arnold.

The mayor said she previously voted against the resolution because the committee that brought the idea forward didn't include a job description for the position of mayor.

"At that time I didn't want to support something that I didn't know what it really meant," she said.

Currently, Moncton councillors earn $24,789.72, but that amount would increase to $33,494.53.

Deputy mayor Blair Lawrence makes $28,539.72, which would jump to $37,244.53.

Arnold would see a pay increase of more than $14,000 to $83,736.33 per year.

CBC reporter Tori Weldon brings us an update from the October 3 public session 7:50 Since gaining the position, Arnold said she has a better understanding of what the job entails and the pay rate compared to councillors.

"As I get more into the position and realise how much work it is, it is a lot of work and a lot of responsibility," she said.

"I think I kind of knew what it was all about, but as I get into it, it's a very large job."

Too much, too fast says councillor

Councillor Bryan Butler asked city staff to tell the public estimated costs associated with implementing the transportation dospersion plan, but staff declined. Specifics costs are supposed to go before council in Septmeber. (Antoine Trepanier/ Radio Canada ) The resolution was passed seven to two, with councillors Paul Pellerin and Bryan Butler voting against it.

"I thought it was too much of an increase too fast," said Pellerin.

"I would have preferred something stretched out over four to eight years and at least give the population a chance to express themselves and if they were in favour or not."

Butler said he spoke to many people while campaigning for councillor, and he said he was given a strong message.

"It was surely noted to me that they were not happy with the large increase in pay," said Butler.

"I have to say people were actually quite happy when I went door to door that it had been defeated."

An earlier motion was defeated on May 3 by a vote of six to five, with then mayor George Leblanc saying the increase was too much during a time when the city went to great lengths to keep staff raises to a minimum.

A pay freeze for non-unionized city employees has been in place since December 2015.

Committee recommended raise

Moncton councillors earn $24,789.72, but that amount would go up to $33,494.53 (CBC) The recommendation for a pay raise was brought forward by the Enhancing Democracy Committee, an arm's-length group of seven members of the public with the mandate to, "explore measures to enhance participatory and representative democracy in the city."

Coun. Paulette Theriault called the salary changes, small but important, while pointing out that there are only two women serving on council.

"I really really hope as a woman, that this will encourage more woman to run for council," said Theriault.

"Perhaps those that are working, maybe single moms, women who have children."

Before the resolution is implemented, it will have to be turned into a bylaw, then brought to council again.​