Manningham councillors vote unanimously for a pay rise, but ratepayers to have a say
An eastern suburbs mayor has voted to give his pay packet an almost $20,000 boost, taking his wage to more than $100,000. His fellow councillors also decided they deserve to be paid more. But it’s not a done deal — ratepayers are going to have their say on the cash grab.
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Manningham’s councillors all want a pay rise — but ratepayers will get to have a say before it is locked in.
The councillors unanimously voted at last night’s meeting to put the proposed pay rise out for community consultation.
Mayor Paul McLeish is set to be the big winner — his pay packet this year could jump by almost $20,000 to $100,434, while the other eight councillors will receive $31,444 each, a jump of $5000.
Local Government Minister Adam Somyurek approved a change in the council’s allowance category — up from category two to category three — which would bump up councillors’ wages.
Cr Sophy Galbally said the pay rise would put the council in line with councils of a similar size including Boroondara and Banyule.
Cr Mike Zafiropoulos told the gallery Manningham’s councillors received $10,000-$11,000 less according to the Know Your Council website.
The website stated the councillors cost ratepayers $42,612 each compared to $53,933 for similar councils.
Institute Of Public Affairs spokesman Evan Mulholland said the proposed wage increase should be used to make life easier for ratepayers instead.
“The council should be reducing rates for ratepayers, these entitled councillors are pocketing the extra rates for themselves,” Mr Mulholland said.
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“Manningham Council should deliver a rate cut instead of giving themselves pay rises”
The council noted the wage increase “can be accommodated within existing resources” in the meeting agenda and would be effective from December 1, 2019.
Community consultation will be open from March 3 to 30, with a decision to be made at the council’s April 28 meeting.
Cr McLeish was contacted for comment.