Morden Council has made changes to the Council Compensation By-law, increasing local indemnities by 14.3 percent to ensure serving on council remains an affordable option for all residents.

Morden Mayor Brandon Burley says their decision follows a move by the Federal Government in September to eliminate a one-third non-taxable allowance for municipal officials.

"What that effectively led to was a pay reduction of 14.3 percent to councillors and the mayor's position . . . Part of the compensation in the past for council was the fact that money was coming in tax-free," says Burley.

As the change will reduce the net indemnity payments to elected lawmakers, a number of municipal councils across Canada have adjusted the compensation package so salaries remain close to current amounts.

He adds, council was concerned, if they didn't make the decision now as the issue comes up with the Federal Government, it would effectively just become a pay raise as they received a pay cut.

As mayor, Burley was the deciding vote on the issue when council put it to a vote. Burley says he takes full responsibility for the decision.

"For me what it came down to was ensuring anybody who wants to come and take a job as a councillor, or to be represented in council, they could do it financially. You don't have to be affluent, and you don't have to be retired in order to run in municipal politics."

Council members put in a lot of work, Burley says, and if compensation is further reduced it becomes an even less viable option.

"People have to look at taking time off work, and being able to pay a mortgage, so their views are no longer reflected, and you can end up with an aristocratic kind of government, made up of influential people, and the common voice is no longer heard."

Burley says his initial reservation was about community perception, alluding to coming into office and having this issue brought to them immediately for discussion.

During the campaign, Burley says he vowed to do what he felt was right for the community, and explains regardless of the how the situation looks and whether he would run for mayor a second term. He adds the decision to increase indemnities was the right decision to make.