TAMWORTH councillors could be in line for a pay rise next year as the state government looks for parity between regional and metro councils.
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Tamworth Regional Council is currently categorised as a "regional rural" organisation.
Councillors on this tier are entitled to a $20,280 remuneration package, while the mayor gets an additional $44,250.
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The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal has proposed to create a new "regional centre" classification which would include Tamworth.
It is understood the new category would be aligned with the current "metropolitan medium" level.
If the remuneration package is also aligned with metro elected representatives, Tamworth councillors could be in line for a hefty pay rise.
Currently, a metropolitan medium councillor is entitled to a $25,790 annual pay packet.
This is 27 per cent greater than the current package for Tamworth councillors.
However, Tamworth's next mayor could see a very significant pay-rise at the helm.
A mayor in a medium metro council can attract an annual pay-packet worth $94,140; more than 45 per cent greater than the current mayoral remuneration package.
Tamworth councillors recently unanimously endorsed the upgrade at an ordinary meeting.
"This would go some way towards recognising the significant community services and facilities delivered by regional cities which are at least on par with many metropolitan councils," the report to council said.
If the new classification of the council is eventually endorsed it wouldn't come into effect until July next year.
The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal has proposed to move 24 councils into the new regional centre category. This would include councils in Albury, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga among others.
In a letter to NSW councils, the chair of the remuneration tribunal, Robert Lang, said the categorisation of council took into account a number of factors.
"The tribunal determined a categorisation model which differentiates councils primarily on the basis of the geographic location," he said.
"Other factors which differentiate councils for the purpose of categorisation include population, the sphere of the council's economic influence and the degree of regional servicing."