NORFOLK County Council has approved big raises for council members elected next year.

The salary of the mayor elected on Oct. 26, 2026, will increase to $118,013 a year, up nearly $25,000 or 27 per cent from the current $93,139.

Ward councillors’ salaries will increase to $59,006, up more than $18,000 or 44 per cent from the current $40,830.

Councillors approved the raises by a vote of five to four last Tuesday.

Voting in favour were Mayor Amy Martin, Port Dover Coun. Adam Veri, Simcoe Coun. Alan Duthie, Waterford Coun. Kim Huffman and Langton Coun. Linda Vandendriessche.

Voting against were Delhi Coun. Mike Columbus, Charlotteville Coun. Chris Van Paassen, Port Rowan Coun. Tom Masschaele and Simcoe Coun. Doug Brunton.

Councillors generally agreed their jobs are full time and that Norfolk’s salaries have lagged behind other municipalities.

But how much should they increase?

A survey of 10 comparable municipalities found average salaries are $115,899 for mayor and $42,503 for councillors.

Speaking in favour of raises, Coun. Vandendriessche said candidates in the next election will need enough money to serve full time.

We want the best minds making the best decisions, she said, adding “pay less, get less.”

It’s time for council to grab the bull by the horns and solve this problem now, Coun. Vandendriessche said.

Speaking in opposition, Coun. Columbus said councillors deserve raises but not 44 per cent when some people can’t afford groceries.

The council elected next year need not stick with the salaries approved last Tuesday.

The new council can set higher or lower salaries if it wants.

The mayor’s salary approved last Tuesday is calculated at 75 per cent of an Ontario MPP’s salary, currently set at $157,250 a year.

Councillors’ salaries will be 50 per cent of the mayor’s salary.

MPPs’ salaries are reviewed each year. When they go up, Norfolk council’s salaries will rise by the same percentage.

Coun. Van Paassen tried but failed to win support for an alternative plan that would have resulted in slightly lower salaries for the next council.

He suggested the mayor get $104,900 a year, which would be 50 per cent of an MP’s salary currently at $209,800.

Councillors would get $52,450 a year, which would be 50 per cent of the mayor’s salary.

Norfolk councillors currently get annual raises at the same percentage as non-union staff.

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Originally published October 1, 2025