Journal Staff
Sarnia council has given itself and the mayor pay raises to offset a nixed federal tax deduction that had permitted one-third of their income to be tax-free.
The move, approved Jan. 21, lifts each of the eight councillors salaries to $23,072 a year.
The city’s mayor, in addition to a salary, receives a car allowance and medical and dental benefits. The mayor’s annual remuneration from the city rises to $80,435.
The increases will add about $35,000 a year to the city budget.
Sarnia’s mayor and four city-county councillors also receive income and mileage for their work on Lambton County council.
In 2017, for example, Mayor Mike Bradley earned an additional $17,463 from the county.
The four county councillors, who have all left office, received from $16,239 to $23,675 that year.