By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
When it comes to lowering the tax burden on local ratepayers, some Chatham-Kent councillors say they will lead by example.
Both South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle and Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy said they’re willing to take a five-per-cent cut in the $36,900 annual wage they earn for representing constituents in C-K.
The comments come following a notice of motion brought forward by Doyle at a recent council meeting. The motion, to be voted on Oct. 7, proposes that all municipal departments look for savings and reduce spending by 7.5 per cent, while ensuring front line services to the public are cut by no more than 2.5 per cent.
Doyle said he brought the motion forward in light of the projected 9.4-per-cent budget increase currently facing Chatham-Kent taxpayers.
“I believe something needs to be done in order to bring our tax increases down,” he told The Voice following the meeting, noting he’s open to a pay cut. “We need to be more fiscally responsible. We have an obligation to our constituents to get this down.”
Doyle said he hears “regularly” from constituents concerned about the impending tax increase.
Bondy, who collaborated with Doyle on the matter, said the “spirit” of the motion aims to reduce municipal wages and salaries to ease the load for local residents.
“The task is for departments is to look at themselves,” he added, noting administrative leaders are best equipped to know where cuts can be made.
“We’ll leave it up to the people who best understand,” Bondy explained, if the motion passes. “I don’t really think it’s a big ask, as everybody is facing inflationary and economic pressures. We’re all taking a hit.”
According to Statistics Canada 2020 numbers, the average C-K household earns $88,000 a year. Municipal officials said the average salary for Chatham-Kent municipal workers is $55,286 per year.
In March 2022, council voted to give all 17 councillors a raise, meaning the annual honorarium for serving on council is $36,900.
North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville said she’s also on board with the motion and is willing to take a pay cut as well.
“I believe with the impending potential tax increase, we all have to make some sacrifices or else there are going to be people who can’t afford mortgage payments, groceries, and day-to-day expenses,” Jubenville said. “Something has to give.”
Aside from the looming budget meetings this fall, C-K council has much to consider when it comes to future spending. According to chief financial officer Gord Quinton, the municipality is looking at an estimated $2 billion in capital costs over the next decade.
In response to a question from Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey about capital spending, Quinton said there are a number of big-ticket infrastructure items on the municipality’s agenda.
This includes a new water treatment plant in Wallaceburg, which could cost upwards of $150 million.
