By Jeremy Sollars
Southern Downs councillors have today voted in favour of accepting a 2.25 per cent pay rise recommended by the State Government.
The Local Government Remuneration and Discipline Tribunal has recommended the pay rise for councillors across Queensland, but all have the option of foregoing it.
The vote was taken at today’s February council meeting held in the Warwick council chambers.
Mayor Tracy Dobie’s annual salary will increase from $125,084 to $127,898 and Deputy Mayor Jo McNally’s from $78,177 to $79,936, with salaries for councillors rising from $66,450 to $67,945 .
The combined total increase in remuneration levels is $15,038 in the next financial year.
Councillors had the option to either accept the pay rise – applying from 1 July – or as was stated in the meeting agenda to “redirect the funds generated from the increase to another operational budget activity”.
Councillors have made reference to an earlier council decision removing their ability to claim expenses such as council-related travel and meals.
