Some Port Coquitlam councillors call it "fair."
Others say it's "disrespectful."
Either way, an upgraded benefits package for PoCo councillors and non-union city staff will be included in next year's draft budget.
Last week, the city's financial and intergovernmental committee voted 4-2 in favour of the benefits boost that, if passed as part of the budget, would see elected officials and senior civic managers get benefits matching those CUPE Local 498 workers will receive starting Jan. 1.
The proposed benefit change — needed to address internal parity, PoCo's human resources manager Steve Traviss wrote in a report to council — would mean add $11,000 to the budget next year.
And it's another cost that taxpayers can't afford, two councillors contend, especially as the city is building a $132-million recreation complex over the next five years.
"People in our community are struggling to make ends meet," said Coun. Brad West. "They're not getting wage increases and it's getting harder and harder to stretch out paycheques.
"I think asking the public to pay for more is very disrespectful," he added. "We're increasing massages for people who are already making significant salaries… For me, it wasn't just a 'no,' it was a 'hell, no.' This sends the wrong message to taxpayers."
West, who opposed the request along with Coun. Mike Forrest, argued the city shouldn't be tying its benefits package to the collective bargaining or budget process.
But Coun. Darrell Penner said council needs to be fair to all staff — no matter what position they hold.
"Exempt staff has as much right to [benefits] as CUPE staff," said Coun. Glenn Pollock, who was endorsed by labour groups in the 2014 election. "It's not a great deal of money. This is really a no-brainer."
Pollock also said councillors who leave their job for a public service position should be covered.
"This isn't part-time work that we do," Coun. Laura Dupont said. "I want to see council jobs accessible to everyone, not just the rich. If it's low pay with no benefits, then that's going to be a barrier."
As for exempt staff, Dupont said, "They may make a lot of money but that's not any reason to not keep them at par with others at city hall."
The benefits package, as voted on Nov. 7, would see, among other things, increases to extended health care and vision care.
Meanwhile, capital deliberations for the 2018 budget are scheduled for Dec. 11 while talks about operating expenses will be held Dec. 12. Public consultation will be conducted early next year.
