The Union of BC Municipalities is wading into the thorny issue of how city councils determine whether or not to give themselves a salary increase.

President Arjun Singh admits councils voting on their own salary increases is a thorny issue so much so at least one council asked UBCM for some help.

“It might feel like a dream for us to be able to set our own salary. It is actually more like a nightmare or a minefield for local elected council or board staff to go through this province. The executive and the staff we are working on a best practices guide. It is not really mandating anything but it is more around what some of the best practices have been. It is still in its very early stages.”

Singh says he personally supports the avenue Kamloops council took by striking a citizens committee to study council salaries and make a recommendation, albeit council still has to cast a vote.

He says UBCM hopes to gather best practices from local governments, create a resource, and make it available for municipalities by this September.