'Insulting' ... not all councillors happy with pay increase

Roger Hennebry. Photo / APN

Hamilton city councillor Roger Hennebry is dubbing a 1.1 per cent salary increase "insulting", while his colleague Ewan Wilson argued the council didn't deserve any pay increase based on last year's performance.

But their cries failed to influence their colleagues as the majority of councillors yesterday said they worked hard and would take the 1.1 per cent increase.

The Remuneration Authority is proposing a 1.1 per cent increase from $883,575 to $893,851 for the council's wage pool for 2012/13 and leaves it up to the council to decide how it is shared between the 12 councillors.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker's salary is separate from the councillors' pool and she is in line for a 2.43 per cent increase to $147,600.

Mr Hennebry suggested challenging the increase, which he pointed out was below the projected inflation rate of 2 per cent for that year. "My personal view is I feel insulted by a 1.1 per cent increase."

But Mr Wilson disagreed and said accepting any increase would be "sending the wrong message" when the council was cutting budgets and making staff redundant. In comparison city council staff are facing an average 2 per cent salary and wage increase.

Councillor Peter Bos said most councillors worked hard, but at the end of the day it came down to individual choice. His view was supported by the majority of councillors who voted 11-2 to accept the 1.1 per cent rise.

"We have a choice in life - if you don't wish to take 1.1 per cent just give it to charity. If you feel you don't deserve it give it back."

Councillor Dave Macpherson said challenging the Remuneration Authority's decision would go down like a "cup of cold sick".

He instead supported the council re-juggling the pool of money so other hardworking councillors were rewarded.

Under the current system Deputy Mayor Gordon Chesterman and the four chairs - councillors Martin Gallagher, Maria Westphal, Dave Macpherson and John Gower - were paid $77,714, which is $7000 more than their colleagues.

Other councillors felt members who chaired working groups should also be rewarded and wanted to discuss how the $893,851 wage pool could be better shared. But this would be discussed later and would not affect the 2012/13 salaries.

Councillor Pippa Mahood suggested the pool should be split evenly by 12. Under her proposal, the chairs and Deputy Mayor would have about $3000 removed from their salaries and the other councillors would get about $3000 more.

Elected members were also provided mobile phones and laptops and reimbursed for a mid-level broadband connection plan and half their landline rental.

Authority chairman John Errington said councils' remuneration packages were worked out based on population, expenses and assets but not performance.

He said some councils may receive no increase while the average rise was about 1.5 per cent.

SPLITTING IT UP

Mayor Julie Hardaker: up 2.43 per cent to $147,600
Proposed 2012/13 salaries under existing margins:
Chairs and deputy mayor: up 1.1 per cent to $77,714
Councillors: up 1.2 per cent to $71,570.