Peabody Mayor, City Council Get Raises

PEABODY, MA -- Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt will see his annual salary jump to $120,000 from $110,000 on July 1 following an 8-1 vote by Peabody City Council last week. As part of the pay raise, council members will also receive a $900 to $10,800, thanks to a 2013 ordinance that raises the pay for city council members every time the mayor's pay increases. It was the third time Betterncourt has received a pay hike since first taking office in 2012.

Councilor Anne Manning-Martin abstained from the vote and Councilor James Moutsoulas did not attend last Thursday's meeting. Councillor Ryan Melville opposed the raise on the grounds that he was uncomfortable voting to give himself more money.

"I am in full favor of giving the current mayor and the position the raise that we're requesting," Melville said, adding that in some ways, Bettencourt could be seen as underpaid. He said he hopes council will revisit the ordinance that ties its pay raises to raises given to the mayor.

Councilor Mark O’Neill said he voted for the raise but thinks council needs to reevaluate the ordinance. O'Neill and Councilor Tom Rossignoll, who also voted for the raise, said they would donate the extra $900 they receive this year to charity.

"I still believe the increase for the salary of the Mayor was appropriate in order to attract qualified candidates in the future and to have it remain competitive with surrounding communities," O'Neill said Tuesday. "This is why I voted yes."

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Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851.