Verona Council Torn Over Police Chief's Contract

Verona police Chief Ron McLemore's contract has been extended for three years.

Earlier this week, officials voted 4-3 to approve a contract for McLemore for 2014 to 2017. Council members Rhoda Gemellas-Worf, Pat McCarthy, Dom Conte and Sandy Drabicki-Bell agreed. Tony Futules, Peggy Suchevich and Kevin Larkin dissented.

McLemore's contract includes a salary increase of about $6,000 for the first year and a 3 percent increase for the remaining two years, according to McCarthy, the public works committee chairman. He currently is paid about $44,000.

Futules said the first year's raise is too much.

"Our obligation is to the taxpayers," he said. "I don't know where you think this money is going to come from."

Suchevich said the contract is a "disgrace."

Many residents in the audience voiced their support for the police chief during an executive session later in the evening.