Town council voted 6-1 in favour of a sunshine list to create wage transparency for town staff.
The move to adopt measures from the Public Sector Transparency Act was brought forward by Coun. Alex Reed.
Council settled on publishing salaries and positions, not including names, of all staff compensated above the annual provincial severance threshold - $127,765 for 2017 – and publishing a grid/range for staff salaries below the legislated threshold.
“I think the citizens of Cochrane have the right to know what we pay our public servants,” said Reed of his proposed sunshine list.
Coun. Susan Flowers was the sole vote of opposition, on the basis that the move offers little benefit and could be predatory on those earning above the threshold, given the size of Cochrane.
“There are a number of communities across the country where this has been made public practice,” said town CAO Dave Devana.
Reed said this move will enable council to better look at the town’s human resources policies, promoting open and fair hiring practices.
Coun. Morgan Nagel said he did not want to send a predatory message, which is why he asked for all salary ranges to be published, minus names.
He said the information would be helpful with respect to budget decisions and that taxpayers have the right to know where their dollars go. Administration will return in March with a draft bylaw.
