In a decision that's generating significant public discussion, London City Council has voted to implement a substantial 35% pay increase for council members starting with the next term. The controversial measure passed by the narrowest of margins during a tense council session.
Close Vote Reveals Divided Council
The proposal barely cleared the necessary threshold, passing with an 8-7 majority. This narrow victory highlights the deep divisions within council regarding appropriate compensation for elected officials. The debate saw passionate arguments from both supporters and opponents of the pay hike.
What the Pay Increase Means
The approved salary boost will see council members' pay jump from the current $52,000 annually to approximately $70,000 starting with the next council term. Proponents argued this increase better reflects the demanding nature of council work and helps attract qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Severance Proposal Rejected
While the base salary increase passed, council members rejected a separate proposal that would have provided severance pay to departing councillors. This component of the compensation package failed to gain sufficient support, leaving the current severance arrangements unchanged.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The decision has already sparked mixed reactions from London residents. Some citizens question the timing and size of the increase, while others believe it's a necessary step to ensure quality representation. The pay adjustment will take effect following the next municipal election, giving voters an opportunity to consider this decision when evaluating incumbent candidates.
Council leadership emphasized that the increase aligns London's compensation with similar-sized municipalities across Ontario, addressing what some described as a historical gap in appropriate remuneration for the demanding council workload.
