Mayor knocks back pay rise

By Casey Neill
KNOX mayor David Cooper has refused to accept a $13,000 pay rise.
Cr Cooper said taking the increase was excessive and against his conscience.
He told the Mail he wanted to control expenditure for Knox ratepayers.
His current mayoral allowance is $71,148. Councillors agreed in principle to increase it to $84,257 at their meeting last Tuesday (28 April).
Cr Cooper said he would not begrudge future mayors accepting the cash.
“It’s a big commitment and it takes its toll on your family,” he said.
Other councillors currently receive $25,410 a year. They will be paid an extra $968 under the proposal.
Councillors Cooper, Peter Cole and Adam Gill voted against the increase.
The council will now accept public submissions on the proposal. The final allowance will be approved on 17 June.
The proposed increase is in line with Municipal Association of Victoria and Victorian Local Government Association recommendations.
The council cannot force councillors and mayors to accept the allowance.