Matichuk keeps promise to freeze salary

It may be more symbolic than anything, but Greater Sudbury Mayor Marianne Matichuk is freezing her salary for the duration of her term as mayor.

City employees, including the mayor and council, receive an automatic wage increase each year. Matichuk said she is declining the raise this year and every year until the end of her term in October 2014.

She made the announcement at the end of the May 15 city council meeting, fulfilling one her campaign promises.

The mayor earns about $110,000 a year in base salary, while councillors earn about $32,000. Those totals don’t include money earned from sitting on boards or other benefits.

Matichuk also announced that the 2013 budget process begins June 19, when the public is invited to give their input.

“It is important to engage the public in the pre-budget process,” Matichuk said in a press release. “I encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to have input on where and how your tax dollars are spent.”

Residents and organizations are allowed to make a brief presentation to city council on budget options and budget savings.

Council managed to keep tax increases in the 2012 budget below the rate of inflation. Matichuk said that’s the goal this time around, as well.

“We need to be accountable to the people of Greater Sudbury and act responsibly on their behalf, to work together and make our city better for everyone,” she said in the release.

For more information on the upcoming budget meeting, visit the city’s website at www.greatersudbury.ca.

Posted by Arron Pickard