The Remuneration Authority says more responsibility attracts more pay.
The Taxpayers' Union says Western Bay of Plenty District councillors are getting an average 57 percent pay increase.
Authority Chair Geoff Summers says the pool of funding for council has been decided - but not individual raises.
He says the council will operate with two fewer councillors this term.
"And most people would say - if I'm going to be doing more work than what some other people used to do, I want more money for it."
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