Directors of the Thompson Nicola Regional District have rejected a big one time pay increase.
Staff had recommended a hike of more than 11 per cent in addition to the annual inflation rate to offset the elimination of federal tax exemptions applying to one third of the 26 directors annual pay.
The motion to hike the pay was defeated with Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian siding with the majority.
“There may be in some cases advantages to directors to actually claim expenses rather than have a tax free allowance in lieu of them.”
Merritt Mayor Neil Menard voted in favor of more money.
“We work hard. I believe we are all underpaid no matter where.”
The action will result in an additional 9000 thousand dollars in Canada Pension Plan contributions was not required under the old rules The new changes take effect January 2019.