BRIDGEWATER - Those elected here for the next mandate of town council will get a hike in pay.

 Local civic politicians recently passed a motion authorizing higher remuneration for the positions of mayor, deputy mayor and councillor. The pay raises take effect November 1. The municipal election is October 18.

 Mayor Carroll Publicover, who was acclaimed for another four-year term, will see his salary go up after November 1. His position will pay $30,196, a raise of nearly $4,000 from his old salary of $26,265.

 Whoever becomes deputy mayor will receive an increase to $19,665 from $17,266.

 Councillors will receive $17,071 from their old mark of $14,725.

 The extra cash comes as a result of a comparative evaluation by town staff of compensation and other benefits afforded to members of Bridgewater council and municipalities in Amherst, New Glasgow, Truro, Yarmouth and Kentville.

 Deputy Mayor David Walker credited staff for its research and said the recommendation to council was fair to taxpayers and reflected the time and effort invested by councillors.

 Councillor Jim Bell pointed out the increased salaries were taken into account in the recent budget.

posted on 10/07/08