Council has rejected a consultants’ report that found our elected representatives were fairly paid.

The remuneration review was sent back for more data on compensation rates and barriers to participation.

Prince Edward County is a single-tier municipality, meaning there is no higher municipal government at the district level. 

County Councillors are paid a salary of $29,645 a year, which is below the comparator average of $36,522. The Mayor’s annual salary is $59,290, well below the average of $71,554.

Although the Mayor’s salary is in the 30th percentile of its comparators, it is about average for municipalities with a population under 35,000.

After surveying both PEC Council members and comparator municipalities, Stratford Group consultants concluded Council remuneration is “typical, competitive, and appropriate when compared with the 13 municipalities that provided data about their programs.”

The consultants reached out to 20 municipalities, including Port Hope, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Kawartha Lakes, and Quinte West. The comparators included six lower-tier, four upper-tier, and three single-tier municipalities. 

Councillor John Hirsch said there was “not enough focus on the responsibilities of a single tier municipality.” 

“We’re no different from Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton, or London, except a $5 million dollar project here might be a $50 million dollar project in Ottawa,” he added.

“Do I believe that the compensation should be a little higher? Yeah, but I don’t have proof,” said Councillor Phil St-Jean.

Director of Finance Arynn McNichol said finding a set of accurate comparators is always a challenge because each municipality is unique.

“Had we had more participation within that 20, we would have had better data,” Mr. McNichol said. “I think it was that we were maybe rushing to get some of this information to Council.”

Stratford Group also surveyed County councillors. Only 9 of the 14 completed an anonymous survey, on which many councillors reported working a full time job for part-time pay. They also said that the salary did not reflect the level of responsibility to constituents and preparation required for the work.

“Everybody around this horseshoe, and I’ll include myself in this, works very hard on behalf of our residents,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson.

“It’s a disservice to our residents to not pay people appropriately for the amount of time they’re going to have to commit to working as a member of Council.”

Internal Divisions

The question of fair compensation struck a nerve, both among Councillors who want to raise their salaries, and those who don’t.

“Of course everyone here who loves their community would do it for free, but I can’t afford to,” said Councillor Kate MacNaughton. 

She noted that the level of pay is a barrier to people who need to live off their earnings. 

“That’s why we don’t have any renters at this table. Renters can’t afford to take a pay cut.”

But others bristled at the idea that councillors are entitled to more money for their work.

“I would suggest the amount of hours any of us puts in is a fair amount, but having said that, it’s still $30,000 minimum,” said Councillor Pennell. “I sure as hell am not here for the money.”

Ms. MacNaughton, who was chairing the meeting, called a point of order to respond to Mr. Pennell’s claims.

“Councillor Pennell, what you’ve said is that I sit here because I’m greedy. That is not the case,” she said. “I’m just not able to make a commitment to an employer as a wage slave.”

Mr. Pennell apologized directly to Ms. MacNaughton, who suggested he should extend the apology to other counciillors. 

“I don’t think the chair should be advocating against a difference of opinion,” chimed in Councillor David Harrison. “If you’re that easily insulted, maybe you should look for a different job.”

At that point, CAO Adam Goheen stepped in to call a ten-minute recess. 

After the meeting resumed, Council voted to refer the review back to staff for further investigation and to report back as soon as possible. Mayor Ferguson stressed that the report’s findings and recommendations will inform the decisions of potential candidates in the 2026 municipal election.

“We have the clock ticking for the nomination period,” he said.