For the first time in 12 years, the compensation package for Tecumseh councillors is being reviewed.
A committee is considering post-retirement benefits for councillors that would include a one-time expense of $419,000, plus an annual cost of $50,300 based on a retirement age of 65.
The report shows a further $29,500 in 2018 would be needed to cover health and dental benefits.
Administration is recommending to fully fund any approved post-retirement health and dental benefits for councillors by raising taxes.
The report notes other municipalities, like the City of Windsor, also provide councillors post-retirement benefits for those that meet certain criteria.
Tecumseh resident Fiona Bryden says council is taking the right step in reviewing compensation in its entirety.
"The costs can be exponential. Lots of other companies, they're cutting them, they're not having them, people are losing their benefits," says Bryden. "People are losing their pensions, nevermind benefits. I just thought, you know what I think you need to ask the public, I think you need to tell people what you're doing and people need to have input."
The report to council also notes criteria such as years of service of a councillor could lessen the amount the town is required to pay.
Bryden says the public needs to be consulted on the issue before any decision is made.
"Is it up to the people of Tecumseh to step up and fill in a full-time benefit for a part-time employee? I think people should be able to discuss that," she says.
Any recommendation that comes from the committee will be voted on by council following this October's municipal election.