Wheatland reviews council pay and expense rules

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County council received its compensation and expense policies for information at its annual organizational meeting, making no changes during the discussion.

Administration described the review as a refresher covering remuneration, county property and letters of gratitude.

The compensation policy included in the agenda lists monthly base pay of $3,494.73 for the reeve, $2,927.67 for the deputy reeve and $2,921.63 for councillors.

Those payments cover duties including responding to residents, preparing for meetings, conducting research and meeting with the chief administrative officer.

Eligible meetings and other approved duties can also qualify for per diem payments. The policy lists a full-day rate of $279.39 for up to eight hours and a partial-day rate of $137.70 for up to four hours.

Council members can receive more than one full per diem when eligible meetings or events exceed eight hours in a day. Conference and convention attendance is limited to one per diem a day.

The policy also provides optional county-matched retirement contributions of up to $3,500 annually and an annual training budget of $2,000 per elected official, subject to council approval.

Compensation is adjusted annually in line with the staff cost-of-living adjustment approved by council.

Monthly reports, expense claims and credit card documentation are to be published through county processes, subject to privacy requirements.

No questions were raised before council accepted the policies for information. Council separately received its signing authorities bylaw for information.