WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith will receive two consecutive 3.3% pay raises after the West Hartford Town Council unanimously approved changes to his compensation last week.
The council voted 9-0 on Sept. 22 to approve the compensation resolution.
Ledwith serves as West Hartford's chief executive officer under the town's council-manager form of government.
The first 3.3% raise takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, increasing Ledwith's salary from $191,353 to $197,668.
A second 3.3% increase takes effect Jan. 1, 2028, bringing his salary to $204,191.
The compensation package also increases some town contributions to Ledwith's retirement plans.
West Hartford Deputy Mayor Debra Polun moved to approve the resolution and said overseeing the town manager is an important responsibility of the council.
"This is a very important piece of being on the town council, to ensure that we properly employ and supervise our town manager," Polun said.
Polun, speaking on behalf of the council's Finance Committee, praised Ledwith's work for the town.
"We believe Mr. Ledwith has done an outstanding job for the Town of West Hartford," she said.
West Hartford Minority Leader John Lyons, a Republican, also supported the compensation changes, praising Ledwith and the municipal workforce he oversees.
"You lead, I think, the greatest town staff we could ever hope to have," Lyons said. "We are so lucky to have you."
Councilor Ben Wenograd said the council compared Ledwith's compensation with that of managers in other municipalities before settling on the increases.
"He certainly is deserving of a raise, and we did look at comps to other towns. This is an appropriate salary," Wenograd said, while also praising Ledwith's work.
The latest increases follow an 8% raise approved by the council in June 2025, which brought Ledwith's current salary to $191,353.
Ledwith has worked for West Hartford since 2001 and served as executive director of human resources before becoming town manager, according to the town.
West Hartford's council-manager system places the town council in the role of elected policy-making body, while the town manager is responsible for overseeing municipal operations and carrying out council policies.
From July 16, 2025: 'Major Pay Increase For West Hartford's Town Manager'
For the minutes of the Sept. 22 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.
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