Councillor Chris Titus proposed the two councillor-at-large positions should be eliminated and salaries be reduced by 20 percent in order to save the city money.
Mayor Ivan Court says Saint John councillors get paid very little compared to their counterparts in other cities and earn every penny.
Councillor Bruce Court argues councillors already get paid very little and a salary cut will keep people from considering a life in public service.
The motion was voted down 6 to 4.
