Council Sets Mayor's Salary at $86,000

The City Council set the salary for the elected mayor at $86,000 on Tuesday, resolving a deadlock that occurred at the last meeting.

The council voted 4-1 in favor of the amended motion, with two councilors who have declared their intention to run for mayor abstaining. The five voting councilors unanimously approved a second item declaring that the mayor’s benefits package will be the same as other unaffiliated administrators in the city, with immediate vesting in the pension program.

A motion to set the salary at $86,000 , and was ultimately tabled when councilors could not muster a majority to take action on the matter. Councilor Wade Hyslop Jr. was absent at that meeting, and Councilors Michael Buscetto III and Robert Pero abstained. and have both announced that they are running for mayor in the November election.

Councilors’ proposals varied when the matter was first brought up in the Administration Committee. Councilor Adam Sprecace proposed $81,000, Councilor Michael Passero suggested $120,000, and the question was finally sent to the full council on Mayor Martin Olsen’s proposal of $100,000. The question remained in this form on Tuesday, but was amended by Deputy Mayor John Russell to set the $86,000 salary.

“I believe that’s a good value for the job,” said Russell. “We’re going to have to pay a backup guy, a chief of staff, a fair amount as well.”

Hyslop supported the measure, saying it was a “firm starting point” and that he had intended to introduce an amendment for an $85,000 salary. Sprecace said the salary is reflective the “history and issues” of New London and comparable to surrounding communities.

“We are replacing one city manager position with two positions,” he added.

Passero was the sole opposing vote. He said he felt the salary was only in the midrange of municipal administrative positions and did not adequately reflect the responsibilities of the job. He said the salary will also be locked in for four years with no variation allowed for any inflation or response to competitive salaries.

“I really don’t think the council is engaging in the foresight that it should in setting this salary artificially low,” said Passero.

Voters in November decided to change the city government by replacing the city manager’s position with an elected mayor, who will be assisted by a chief of staff whom he or she appoints. Former city manager retired at the end of 2010, and interim city manager Denise Rose is carrying out the duties of the position until the mayor is elected.