Speaking at Leeton Shire Council’s most recent ordinary meeting, councillor Tony Reneker made the suggestion, saying it would be a “goodwill gesture to the community”. 

Payments to councillors for their service are reviewed each year by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal. 

As part of its findings for the upcoming financial year, the tribunal recommended a 2.5 per cent increase in fees allocated to councillors and mayors from July 1. 

Council votes on the fees each year and traditionally allows for the increase. However, Cr Reneker made the suggestion perhaps the 2.5 per cent increase could be passed on to the community through a council project. 

The idea was one mayor Paul Maytom did not support, saying councillors were often digging into their own pockets to cover expenses within their roles. This year councillors will be paid $11,860, with the mayor to receive $25,880.

“Councillors work very hard,” councillor Maytom said. “This is only a small increase, but I believe it is just reward for the hours councillors put in.”

Roles such as the mayor are now almost a full-time job, but have not yet been classified in that manner. “We do this because we love it … we all want what is best for our community,” Cr Maytom said.

Cr Reneker and councillor Paul Smith voted against the increase.

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