$185K Advertised Salary For Norwood General Manager Opening

NORWOOD, MA — The town's next general manager could become one of the highest paid town managers in the area, based on the proposed salary.

The selectmen voted 3-2 this week to include a salary of $185,000 on the posting for the opening. Selectmen Helen Abdallah Donohue and Allan Howard voted against the motion and supported a salary of $179,000.

During their discussion, Chairman William Plasko said the Norwood salary appeared to be low when compared to other nearby communities. Supporters of the proposed pay said the next general manager will be responsible for things like the town's light department, something that other towns do not have.

"We should pay more because there are more responsibilities," Plasko said.

Higher than towns like Westwood, Walpole, Canton, Sharon, and Mansfield, the salary is comparable to towns like Wellesley, Lexington, and Arlington.

"Wellesley, it's a much different town that Norwood, Arlington is a different type of town," Donohue said.

Bishop said the higher number is needed to attract quality candidates.

"(Norwood) is not like Canton or Walpole or any other town as far as I'm concerned. ($179,000) is too low for what we want. I want to attract the most qualified, intellectual people we can and I may not do that with a lower number," Bishop said.

In other general manager search news, the town recently hired consultant Bernie Lynch to assist with the search. He will be holding a forum at the civic center on Sept. 14 to discuss what should be considered in the selection of a new general manager. The public is invited to attend and give their input.

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