Council pic7 North Bay City Councilors feel their pay is lower than it should be and so they’ve voted in favour of a raise for 2016.

Remuneration had been discussed for several weeks and in a 7-4 vote it was approved and will be a part of the 2016 budget.

Deputy Mayor and Budget Chief Sheldon Forgette says some councilors use their council wage to support charities and attend functions.

He says the four who were against the raise shouldn’t put that money into their own pockets.

Councilor Mac Bain originally brought this forward.

Chair of Engineering and Works Tanya Vrebosch says the raise is warranted for council as she cites the workload this term.

Vrebosch was one of three councilors who voted in favour of an amendment to have the raise take effect at the beginning of the next council term; although that was defeated.

The Mayor’s pay will be at $65,000 with the Deputy Mayor’s position to receive almost $27,000. The rest of Council is at $23,691.

Councilors Jeff Serran, Chris Mayne, Mark King and Mike Anthony voted against the raise.