Is $218K a fair salary for Calgary's mayor? City committee looks at council's pay, benefits

A citizen committee is trying to determine how much members of the next Calgarycity council should be paid.

The committee's first step will be to ask a private company for a survey of how Calgary council's total compensation compares to other cities, said Peter Bowal, committee chair.

"We want to get as much information as we can about the other municipalities and what the compensation packages are for their council and that is a way that we can go forward with in terms of our recommendation for this council," he said.

The mayor currently makes $218,000 a year, while councillors are paid $116,000.

But council gets a host of other perks and benefits from car allowances to health-care spending accounts, executive health assessments and financial planning.

Annual adjustments to council salaries are now made based on aStatisticsCanadasurvey of what's happening with theannual weekly earnings in the province.

Before each election, a citizen committee reviews the total package and makes recommendations on adjustments.

Bowal says he and his fellow volunteers, who aren't being paid for their time,have a lot to do.

"They've taken on quite a Herculean task of making this reportwithin six monthsand starting from scratch."

Bowal says they have yet to decide how Calgarians will be able to express their views.

The committee must file its report with city council by next May. Any changes to the council compensation would take effect after next fall's election.

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