17 November 2009

Councillors and executive staff at the ARC received no salary increases this year, which helped keep rate rises to a minimum.

“The Chairman, Councillors, Chief Executive and Executive Management Team received no increases this year, while other staff received an average of 1.5 per cent,” said ARC Chairman Mike Lee.

“Put to the vote, Councillors were unanimous on this, feeling it was not appropriate to take a pay increase given the state of the economy.”

Chief Executive Peter Winder said in view of the economy and constraints on staff salary reviews, he considered it inappropriate for him even to be considered for a salary increase this year.

Mr Lee said no salary increases for Councillors and executive staff helped the ARC keep average rates at 3.92 per cent for the 2009-2010 financial year.

“We did this while ensuring investment in public transport could continue after the Government abruptly cancelled the regional fuel tax and redirected funding to road construction.”

ENDS