The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) board has voted to maintain its base rate not including meeting fees remuneration model to take effect 2023 to 2026.
The board discussed the remunerations options presented by staff at its July 26 regular meeting, and there were directors who favour a salary-only model.
“It makes more sense for everybody,” said City of Nanaimo director Sheryl Armstrong. “To go to a meeting for 10 minutes and get paid $150, that’s not very fair to our taxpayers. So this way by having a set base, that accounts for all that.”
Stuart McLean, Electoral Area H (Bowser, Horne Lake, Deep Bay, Qualicum Bay) director, does not agree.
“I am opposed to this because it’s a disincentive for directors to be involved, to put their hand up for committees, to show up at the meeting” said McLean. “You’re saying you’re going to get paid regardless of how many committees you’re on, regardless of which meeting you show up to.”
READ MORE: Regional District of Nanaimo to increase directors pay starting 2023
Using the current base rate, electoral area directors will be paid $48,934, while municipal directors will receive $22,731. Those who serve as board chair will be on a salary-only model. If he or she is a municipal director, the remuneration is $77,854, while an electoral area director’s stipend will be $97,564.
The base rate also covers up to four board or committee of the whole meetings per month plus an additional $150 for other committee meetings.
City of Nanaimo director Leonard Krog feels the current model is functional, works and makes the most sense.
“Those rare occasions where a director might receive remuneration that is somewhat inconsistent with the amount of time involved is just that. A rare occasion,” Krog said. “And quite candidly, knowing how much time is put in obviously by the municipal directors like myself, electoral area directors, I think the current system is the best system.”
Armstrong argued that the committee structure of the RDN is inequitable as there are some directors who attend or serve in more committees.
“That will have to be addressed if we’re going to stick with that system,” said Armstrong.
The RDN board voted against Armstrong’s motion for the salary-only option. But they endorsed the base rate model, with Armstrong, City of Nanaimo director Don Bonner, Qualicum Beach director Brian Wiese and Electoral Area F Julian Fell opposed.