Canadian Taxpayers Federation call for City Hall salary cuts to avoid tax hikes
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on St. John’s City Council to rein in senior salaries at city hall instead of hiking taxes on residents.
“Before City Hall comes looking for more money from families, it should take a hard look at the six-figure salaries already on the payroll,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director and General Counsel. “Taxpayers are tightening their belts. It’s time city hall did the same.”
The average management-level salary at city hall is $127,448.
The newly appointed city manager, Derek Coffey, is being paid $260,635 per year, according to his employment contract obtained by the CTF.
Coffey’s salary is, according to Drover, higher than most senior bureaucrats working for the provincial government, including the clerk of the executive council.
“City taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to fund huge salaries that outpace comparable cities and the provincial government,” said Drover. “If council is serious about avoiding tax hikes, leadership should start at the top.”
The CTF is calling on council to conduct a comprehensive review of management compensation and reduce senior salaries before considering any increase to property taxes, water taxes or new municipal levies.