Selectmen Vote to Give Town Manager a Raise

After getting good marks from the selectmen, Town Manager William Ross will receive a slight bump in pay.

As stated in the contract of most town employees, Ross will receive a 2% increase in his base salary. Currently, Ross makes $142,000 along with a yearly Mansfield Electric Stipend of $10,000. Ross' electric department stipend and vehicle allowance of $5,000 will not change

Selectman George Dentino called it one of the smallest raises for a town manager he could recall.

While the selectmen wished to give Ross a higher raise, they felt that it was best to have Ross receive the same pay increase as everyone else who works for the town.

"I don't mean to be insulting but I think Mr. Ross wouldn't mind if we kept it in line with the contracts," Selectman Kevin Moran said. "People have to realize you're getting cents on the dollar. If that what's Mr. Ross is happy with then I'm fine."

In addition, Ross said the town budget had room for only a 2% raise.

The town will also cover the costs to allow Ross to attend a conference dedicated to improving local government known as the ICMA Conference. The total costs for the trip is expected to run between $2,400-$2,500.

"You're a man of principal and I'll respect that. I think it's good to get out there, take courses, and see what other people are doing," Selectman Doug Annino said.

The change in pay will take effect when the new fiscal year begins on July 1.