Northumberland County councillors are refining plans for how members of the next council will be compensated as part of preparations for the 2026 to 2030 term.
During a recent meeting of the county’s Corporate Support Committee, councillors discussed potential adjustments to remuneration and expenses. The committee agreed to recommend introducing annual cost of living adjustments to per diem and conference payments for future council members.
The goal of the change is to allow smaller annual increases rather than larger adjustments every four years when a new council term begins.
County council has already approved changes to the per diem structure for committee and ad hoc meetings. The previous flat payment of $100 has been replaced with a half day rate of $123.31 and a full day rate of $252.31.
A report reviewing council remuneration and expenses for 2025 was also presented earlier the same day during a meeting of the county’s Finance and Audit Committee. Total compensation and expenses for the year came to about $268,716, roughly $21,000 below the budgeted amount.
Salary payments accounted for just over $204,000 of the total. The county warden received about $58,000 in salary, the deputy warden about $28,000, and councillors representing the remaining municipalities about $23,500 each.
Additional expenses included per diems for committee work, mileage reimbursements, conference costs and employer contributions such as Canada Pension Plan payments and Ontario Employer Health Tax.
Committee members also discussed whether retirement or health benefits should be considered for future councils but agreed the matter should be debated by the full county council.
The recommendations from the Corporate Support Committee will be considered by Northumberland County council at its April 15 meeting.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)