New West residents are being given a chance to weigh in on proposed pay hikes for members of city council.

Using the “regression analysis” process that’s been in place since 2006, staff has recommended the mayor’s current annual indemnity of $98,868 be increased by 3.2 per cent to $102,017. This wage, which would include a two per cent inflation rate, would be retroactive to January 2016.

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Councillors’ stipends would increase from $38,154 to $41,533, which is an 8.9 per cent increase. In addition to their regular stipend, councillor also receive $1,000 for the months they serve as acting mayor.

A staff report compares New Westminster mayor’s stipend to other cities in Metro Vancouver, with mayors in in Burnaby, Delta, Langley Township, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, North Vancouver and North Vancouver District earning more, and those in Port Coquitlam, West Vancouver, Port Moody and White Rock earning less.

Councillors in Burnaby, Delta, Langley Township, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge and North Vancouver District earn more than New West councillors, based on 2015/26 figures.

New Westminster reviews the council remuneration policy every four years. As part of that review, community members are invited to comment on the proposed remuneration at the May 2 council meeting.

In addition to the pay increases, staff has also recommended council members’ expense allowance be increased from $3,000 to $5,000 annually, to “more realistically” fund their expenses.

The council expense policy provides mayor and council with payment for expenses incurred while engaging in city businesses. This includes courses, negotiations, committee work, intergovernmental businesses, workshops, seminars, training programs and exercises, conferences and other functions they do on the city’s behalf.

The expense policy also provides a monthly vehicle allowance of $200 for the mayor and $100 for councillors.