Salaries altered

‘‘It’s not personal,’’ Porirua deputy mayor Liz Kelly was assured as her salary was cut by $2740 at last Wednesday’s council meeting.

Ms Kelly’s pay was reduced from $40,288 to $37,546, or from 40 per cent more than a councillor’s $28,882 salary, to 30 per cent more.

Meanwhile, Te Komiti chairman Euon Murrell had his salary increased by $1574 to $37,546, taking his pay from 25 per cent more than a councillor’s salary to 30 per cent more. Councillors’ salaries increased by $106 each as a result of money left over.

The new salaries were voted in 12-2 by council last week, with only Rob Rangi supporting Ms Kelly’s bid to retain her salary.

Councillor ‘Ana Coffey had recommended the salary changes and assured Ms Kelly last week they were a reflection of the increased workload for Mr Murrell since mid-2011, when Te Komiti started meeting fortnightly rather than every six weeks.