Motion would boost pay of North Bay’s mayor to $115K

A motion headed to city council in North Bay on June 2 seeks approval to increase the pay of the mayor of the city by more than $30,000. (File)

A motion headed to city council in North Bay on June 2 seeks approval to increase the pay of the mayor of the city by more than $30,000.

The motion, moved by councillors Gary Gardiner and Lana Mitchell, argues that the current salary for the position is low compared to cities of similar size.

“The North Bay mayor’s salary ranks the lowest compared to other northern municipalities and neighbours,” the motion said.

Current salary is $84,852

For example, the mayor of Barrie makes $134,483, Timmins $102,411, Sault Ste. Marie $86,599.24, Sudbury $145,494.65 and Thunder Bay $130,000

In contrast, in North Bay the mayor’s salary is $84,852.

A higher salary would help the city “attract diverse, qualified candidates for the office of the mayor,” the motion said.

“The mayor’s position requires full-time dedication to manage complex municipal issues, multi-million-dollar budgets, managing public services, and effectively managing relationships with senior levels of government.”

If approved, the incoming mayor would receive a salary of $115,000 beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

Current Mayor Peter Chirico came under fire and multiple investigations for his use of the corporate credit card during his term in office.

Chirico has not yet said whether he is running for reelection in the Oct. 26 municipal election.

Read the full motion here.