MEMORANDUM

To:                Mayor and Members of Council

From:           Sharon Laing Director, Human Resources; Barb Cribbett, Treasurer

CC:               John Livey, CAO; Andy Taylor, Commissioner, Corporate Services

Date:                        May 5, 2008

Re:               Mayor and Council Remuneration

As requested at the April 27, 2008 Council meeting, this memorandum provides information related to the remuneration of the Town’s Elected Officials, and in particular, the rationalization of remuneration between Ward and Regional Councillors; the relationship between the remuneration of Mayor, Deputy Mayor and  Ward/Regional Councillors; and the application of annual cost of living adjustments.

In 2004 comparability existed between the base compensation for Ward and Regional Councillors*. There also existed an established relationship between the Mayor’s and Deputy Mayor’s compensation relative to the compensation of a Ward/Regional Councillor**. Further, all Elected Officials received annual cost of living adjustments equal to that which was approved for the Town’s non-union employee population. Current compensation practice has moved us away from that comparability, relativity and annual economic stabilization.

There is a desire to maintain those pay relationships, and accordingly, it is recommended that the following adjustments be made to the March 31, 2007 base salary for the effected classifications, and that annual cost of living increases be restored.

The cost implication of the one-time adjustments is $16,120. Staff will take all necessary steps, including By-law amendment, to implement the adjustments within an abbreviated timeframe.

Salary Levels March 31, 2007 - Before and After Equalization Adjustment

Municipal Portion

York

Region

Total

Before

Mayor

103,273

43,458

146,731

Deputy

63,808

43,458

107,266

Regional

57,736

43,458

101,194

Ward

60,717

60,717

Total Salaries Before Equalization

826,025

Adjustment - March 31, 2007

Adjusted     177% of  Ward/Regional Councillor

Mayor

107,469

43,458

150,927

110% of  Ward/Regional Councillor

Deputy

66,789

43,458

110,247

Regional

60,717

43,458

104,175

Ward

60,717

Total Salaries After Equalization

842,145

Adjustment - March 31, 2007

Total cost of Equalization

16,120

* 2004 Ward and Regional Councillor Markham Base Salary $54,867

**2004 Relationship - Mayor to Ward/ Regional Councillor 177%; Deputy Mayor to Ward/ Regional Councillor 110%