Read in the Eagle Tribune this morning;
No wonder the selectmen wanted this one kept quiet!
While this represents a $13,000 increase over Russ' salary, the lack of benefits for the first two years will even it out. But after that, watch out!
Watching the meeting last night, we were encouraged to see Mr. Angelo, ask the selectmen what They wanted to do, demonstrating that he, at least, understands his role as the functionary carrying out their orders, This is already an improvement over Russ, who told the selectmen what he could or would do. But it still appears that the Town is willing to pay a Town Manager Salary, for a Town Administrator position.
For those who do not understand the difference,
A TOWN MANAGER has fiduciary responsibilities similar to those of selectmen, or mayors. He can hire and fire, set policies, and oversee depts.
a TOWN ADMINISTRATOR is basically a glorified secretary. He has no statutory authority unless the selectmen expressly give it to him. So he can carry out their orders, and do basic administrative functions for them, but he has no budgetary authority, no authority to hire, fire, negotiate contracts, or sign contracts, without such authority being granted by the selectmen or the voters.
The selectmen allowed Russ to act almost as a Town Manager, signing, and negotiating contracts, interviewing, and overseeing depts. All things that the selectmen should have been doing, but were happy to have Russ do for them.
Selectman Friel states in the paper, "that the selectmen didn't specifically look at the total cost of the previous TA's pay and bene package, in preparing to hire a new TA."
WHY THE HELL NOT?
This is taxpayer money! How can you hire someone without an idea of their pay range, based upon what you have previously been paying that position?
As a Selectman, how can you not know what your own direct report Town Administrator makes?
Did anyone look at what Town Administrators in other towns make, not Town Managers?
This doesn't pass the smell test, but at least it is a hell of a lot better, than how we usually conduct business.
Atkinson Town Hall
The Norman Rockwellian picture of Atkinson
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
so he didn't need the benefits he so graciously didn't burden the taxpayer with.
how noble of hime
:b
Think about it folks....the new administrator has 'way more experience for his job than our PD Lieutenant has for his.
Why do we need a town administrator, when our selectmen don't know how to direct him?
We need selectmen that are smarter than the T Admin. Until then, we can't afford someone that can lead selectmen down the path of destruction.
Post a Comment