The Cariboo Regional District board has approved an increase to the remuneration it pays to its elected directors.
Under the proposal, directors’ base salary will be increased to $28,900 per year, from $12,900, and reimbursement for travel expenses will be aligned with the Government of Canada’s travel policies for its employees. The net impact of this change is estimated to be $2.24 per $100,000 of residential assessments. This marks the first time in 20 years where directors have agreed on the need to change their remuneration structure. The required bylaw amendments will be brought to the next board meeting for reading and adoption.
The change was highlighted as necessary to enable participation by parents, workers, and people from diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of elected office in the regional district. Several directors highlighted a desire to see elections for office because of residents being interested and motivated to pursue it, and cited the 2022 elections as indicative of the need for change. In 2022, only four electoral areas saw an election occur, while eight directors were acclaimed due to a lack of nominated candidates. Compared to 2018, this was an increase of three total directors who were acclaimed, and historically there has generally been an equal number of candidates elected and acclaimed.