NANAIMO – During the March 21st Regular Council Meeting, a new Spending and Amenities Policy intended to establish transparent spending management practices for the City’s elected officials was approved by Nanaimo’s Council.
The new policy brings together a number of existing policies already in place and formulates them into a single document, while also taking steps to address concerns with compliance associated with current financial policies.
Included in the policy is the introduction of an Acting Mayor’s compensation, a change brought about by increases in duties resulting from Council’s new portfolio system. The base pay for a Councillor at the City of Nanaimo remains at $35,438, an amount within the medium of wages paid at comparable municipalities. The introduction of the Acting Mayor’s compensation will amount to an additional $1,189 per year, per Councillor. The City of Nanaimo has not previously provided compensation to the Acting Mayor’s position.
The new policy will be applied to the following areas:
- Council remuneration
- Attendance at in-town or out-of-town meetings
- Training and development
- Expense reimbursement
- Legal fees
- Association fees and membership dues
- Provision of certain equipment and furniture for use by elected officials
- Council initiatives
To read a copy of the policy, please click the following link.