Bunbury councillors take 'small' rise

Bunbury city councillors have accepted a minimum possible pay increase, despite some believing they are being underpaid.

The councillors had no choice but to accept a pay rise after the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal upgraded the council's band classification.

The ball was then in the council's court to decide what rate attendance fees would be set - between a minimum and maximum scale determined by the tribunal.

The remuneration scheme classifies all local governments within nine "bands" based on a range of factors including growth and development and population.

After a sometimes heated debate at Tuesday night's meeting, the council decided to adopt an 11 per cent increase for councillors while the mayor's fees and allowances will remain unchanged.

However, several councillors voiced their support for a proposal put forward by Cr Murray Cook for a 25 per cent increase for all elected members.

Cr Cook said the bigger increase would attract younger people to the council in the future and was a true reflection of the work councillors did outside of regular meetings.

He said anything less would detract from councillors' roles in the community and that if "you pay peanuts, you get monkeys".

Cr Wendy Giles supported Cr Cook's proposal and said the council's classification should have been upgraded earlier meaning councillors had actually been underpaid.

Mayor Gary Brennan responded to the proposal saying an increase in allowances and fees would send the wrong message to the community.

"I'm not here for the money and I don't think any of you should be either," Mr Brennan told the council.

Cr Michelle Steck questioned Mr Brennan's comments, suggesting if he was not on council for the money, he could choose to donate his entire pay cheque.

Cr Steck said while it had been an "absolute pleasure" working for the community for the past 12 years, she had also sacrificed a lot personally, financially and professionally and some remuneration was appropriate.

Cr Jaysen Miguel acknowledged the council was in an "interesting" position - having to debate its own pay rate - but said any increase would look "pretty average" to ratepayers.

The changes mean councillors will now receive the minimum attendance fee under a Band 1 classification of $24,360 a year - up from $22,000.

Mr Brennan will continue to be paid $29,500 in attendance fees and $60,000 for a mayoral allowance - still above the Band 1 minimums of $24,360 and $50,750 respectively.