Carrot River council rejects own wage increase

Carrot River’s council decided not to give themselves a three per cent wage increase for 2018.

Bob Gagné, Carrot River’s mayor, said after the Dec. 20 council meeting that money was tight all across the province.

“I feel it’s not fair that the leaders take a raise and then our staff can’t not have a raise also,” he said. “I’m not saying that the staff will not get a raise this year; I’m just saying that if we expect people to take a lower percentage there’s no reason we should take a bigger percentage.”

The three per cent increase was proposed as a way to ensure the wages of council met inflation. The decision to stay at the 2017 rates was supported by the entire council.

 “I’m happy that they decided to stick with the status quo,” Gagné said.

Tobin Lake might join Carrot River Fire Department

Council also supported a recommendation that the Resort Village of Tobin Lake join the Carrot River Fire Department.

Kevin Trew, the town’s administrator, said he was absolutely confident the fire department could deal with a fire at the resort village.

“If a fire happens in the Resort Village of Tobin Lake, because of all of the different mutual aid agreements and whatnot, the Town of Carrot River and RM of Moose Range Fire Department would likely be answering in some capacity anyway.”

He added Tobin Lake’s becoming more closer to Carrot River community-wise, with more people coming over to shop.