In a year of budget cuts and job losses, a subcommittee of Hamilton city councillors has voted to spend $5,000 every four years to buy commemorative rings for outgoing members of council.

To me, this is just one tiny way in our $2-billion corporation to say 'thank you for your years of service.' - Coun. Tom Jackson

Members of city council's governance review subcommittee voted Tuesday to formalize the "existing practice" of using taxpayers' money to buy civic rings for councillors who are voted out, retiring or deceased at the end of each term.

The city already gives the rings after councillors leave, a staff report says, since it violates the council code of conduct for a sitting councillor to get a gift of more than $200. Tuesday, the subcommittee voted 2-1 for the new ring policy to spend $5,000 per term from the legislative budget to buy the rings.

The rings are already a historic practice, the report says, that "acknowledges the member's commitment and dedication to public service."

Tom Jackson, long-time Ward 6 councillor, isn't a committee member, but he attended Tuesday's meeting to urge the others to vote for it.

"To me, this is just one tiny way in our $2-billion corporation to say 'thank you for your years of service,'" he said.

The one opposed councillor – Matthew Green of Ward 3 in the central lower city — said it looks bad to residents struggling to pay the rent.

He also said it looks bad in light of this year's city budget, he said. The city cut deep, and dozens of city staff lost their jobs.

"I would be much more comfortable if it was something we made available to purchase," Green said.

How they voted

The budgeted amount represents the taxes paid by one large suburban home.

The idea still has a few hurdles to clear. The new Policy for Civic Rings to Members of Hamilton City Council still has to be approved by the general issues committee, as well as city council, next month.

Under the policy, rings would be given to councillors who complete "at least one full term."

The ring will be engraved with the length of service and the councillor's initials.

Councillors Maria Pearson of Ward 10 (lower Stoney Creek) and Lloyd Ferguson of Ward 12 (Ancaster) voted for the ring policy.

samantha.craggs@cbc.ca | @SamCraggsCBC