Council table could grow

Photo: Contributed

The number of council members in the Town of Osoyoos could be increased from five to seven next year.

On Thursday during a budget meeting, council will discuss the option of increasing the amount of councillors and what the implications would be.

The town's current representation of a mayor and four councillors is what is required for all towns and villages in the province, as a report from Osoyoos staff said.

That number could be changed, however, if a council procedure bylaw was amended. 

Mayor Sue McKortoff said the discussion has come about because, at times, council has made decisions with the minimum of three members when others have been away.

"It has been brought up before. There are some communities our size that have five on council, and many that we know of that have seven," she said.

McKortoff said Coun. Carol Youngberg has been away more than any other member this year to help her sister deal with medical issues.

"That was kind of what sparked it I think. If we have less people than five, does that give a true feeling of what we're deciding on?... We don't know until we look at all of the issues that are in the budget."

A report from town staff said the stipend for councillors is currently $16,543.08, plus benefits of $1,371.36.

Adding two councillors would cost between $42,000 and $50,000, staff estimated, with stipends, benefits and expenses considered.