Salaries for Red Deer City Council and the mayor have been frozen at the 2019 rate.
“As we continue to navigate the current economic climate, it is imperative for Council to demonstrate financial responsibility and leadership,” said Mayor Tara Veer, after the salary freeze was approved at Monday’s council meeting.
“Financial sustainability is one of our top priorities,” Veer added, “and it’s critical that we look at all avenues for addressing the financial pressures we are facing as a result of the continuing provincial and local economic realities.”
The mayor feels city council must lead by example: “We have asked city administration to find $15 million in operational savings over the next three years,” so councillors must also do some belt tightening.
Council compensation is defined in the council compensation and benefits policy and is reviewed annually and mid-term.