On average the Municipality of Jasper’s directors and managers are paid 14 per cent less than their counterparts in comparable communities in Alberta, according to a recent survey.
A salary survey prepared by Strategic Steps Inc. was released in the Aug. 5 municipal council agenda, along with a recommendation that council approve salary increases over the next three years to bring Jasper up to speed with other municipalities.
The municipality evaluates the wages of non-unionized staff—directors and managers—every three years to assess changes in the market. Last year, administration requested that the evaluation be postponed by one year, so the Services and Structural Review could be completed and taken into consideration as part of the evaluation. The delay also allowed for an update to the municipality’s job specs, so that the most up to date information could be used by the consultants.
The survey shows that Jasper’s salaries are generally much lower than the mid-market rate, with the average gap being in excess of 14 per cent. Because the difference is so large, it was deemed unrealistic to bridge the gap in one year, so the recommendation is to break it up over three.
“Clearly to try and play catch up of 14 per cent in one go would be problematic from a budget point of view,” said Chief Administrative Officer Peter Waterworth, noting that it would likely be politically problematic as well. “I think the way in which we can best achieve it is by breaking that down over three years.”
The increases would come into effect July 1 of this year, equating to $30,872.55 in the 2014 budget.
Waterworth noted that for some staff the increases will have very little effect on their pay, because their salaries are already comparable to other municipalities, while for other staff there will be a significant change to make up the difference.
Although council won’t vote on the recommendation until its Aug. 19 meeting, some councillors were quick to voice their opinions when the survey was presented last week.
“I’m opposed to what is presented based on the fact that there are other variables that need to be considered as we move forward—one would be our local economic condition and how that is comparable to other markets,” said Coun. Rico Damota.
“I’m very grateful for the hardworking directors and management staff that we have here ... I just want to make sure that it’s fair for everyone; it’s fair for the community; it’s fair for the taxpayer.”
Coun. Gilbert Wall shared some of the same concerns.
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around all of the implications of this as we move forward, including the implications on our upcoming union staff negotiations, so there are a lot of things on the table.
“This is a substantial amount, even if you don’t count it as 14 per cent [in one year]; it’s 2.6 per cent on the tax envelope, just this one increase. It is substantial and I’m still not quite comfortable with it.”
“[This is] another signal that our current tax system—the way that we collect money to operate—is archaic and we have to find other ways that are more efficient for the community and best suits our situation,” added Damota, referencing Jasper’s inability to increase its tax base due to Parks Canada’s cap on development.
Nicole Veerman
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