Mayor Tolmie Asks Is Brandon's Mayor Full-Time?

By Robert Thomas

In the most recent Executive Committee debate which would see the remuneration of the mayor rise by 21.6 percent and councillors remuneration increase by 28.5 percent Mayor Fraser Tolmie mentioned remuneration paid to council members in Prince Albert and Brandon.

Mayor Tolmie who voted with the 5 - 2 majority in favour of the Remuneration Panel's recommendations - Councillors Chris Warren, Heather Eby, Dawn Luhning and Scott McMann also voted in favour with Councillors Brian Swanson and Crystal Froese opposed - said the increased pay was justified given the long hours and sacrifice elected officials make to be part of Council.

“I point out Prince Albert's mayor is a part-time mayor. That quote is a part-time salary. So I question whether Brandon's is a part-time or a full-time salary. I would like to know what that information is,” Mayor Tolmie told Executive Committee.

Compensation in 2019 for Brandon's mayor and council - source City of Brandon

In a telephone interview with MJ Independent the City of Brandon confirmed the mayor's position is a full-time position.

In 2019 Brandon's mayor was paid $102,376.41 while part-time councillor annual remuneration ranged from $21,773.45 to $26,802.65.

The new remuneration scheme will see Moose Jaw's elected officials paid more - the mayor's annual remuneration will move from the present $79,108 to $100,068 with councillors moving from $24,918 to $33,323 annually.

Brandon's population according to the 2016 Census was 48,859 an increase of 6.1 percent in 2012 when the population was 46,061.

By contrast Moose Jaw's population according to the 2016 Census was 33,890 an increase of 616 people from 33,274 people in the 2012 Census.

Brandon's Mayor Rick Chrest is a lifelong resident with his family having roots in that community since 1912. Chrest has served on countless boards throughout the years to help build the community often with no compensation, according to the City of Brandon.

The minutes of the Executive Committee are expected to be part of this coming Monday's (July 13th) meeting and may if any council member requests it re-voted on debated.