East Providence Boards Cost City Over $135K

Editor's note: In an original document presented to the budget commission weeks ago, the city's human resources department originally reported that the city paid $56,801 in total toward council members' medical and dental benefits. According to documents provided by Mary Scanlon, director of human resources, $48,933 is the total cost paid in net medical benefits; $3,834 is paid to for dental benefits. A corrected version of the benefits was be presented to the budget commission at Tuesday's meeting.

Monetary benefits paid to East Providence board members are being examined with a critical eye.

According to documents acquired by the budget commission, East Providence pays a total of $144,179 annually toward board members' stipends, and in some cases, social security, pension, medical benefits, life insurance and workers compensation. 

According to Michael O'Keefe, chairman of the budget commission, even if the boards were stripped of stipends, there wouldn't be a shortage of qualified volunteers.

"They don't do it for the money," he said, adding most state board members, including the R.I. Ethics Commission, are not paid. 

Budget commission members were especially interested in the $27,000 stipend and $2,066 in social security benefits paid to Jeanne Boyle who has served as the Waterfront Commission's executive director since 2010, according to the meeting's dialogue. She also earns a $97,351 salary including longevity for her work as city planner, reads budget commission documents. According to Finance Director Ellen Eggeman, Boyle is not paid her stipend if the commission doesn't have funds available. 

Total Costs Paid to Compensated Committees, Board and Commissions

• City Council - $74,213
• School Committee - $19,915
• Waterfront Commission - $29,066
• Canvassing Board - $2,250
• Assessment - $1,050
• Planning Board - $3,000
• Zoning Board - $5,800

Total Cost: $135,293

A closer look at City Council costs:

Name: Mayor Bruce Rogers
Annual Stipend: $4,500
Social Security: $344
Pension: $814
Net Medical Benefits: $0
Dental Benefits: $344
Life Insurance: $0
Workers' Compensation: $561
Total Cost: $6,562

Name: Member William Conley
Annual Stipend: $3,500
Social Security: $15
Pension: $633
Net Medical Benefits: $14,291
Dental Benefits: $1,049
Life Insurance: $336
Workers' Compensation: $561
Total Cost: $19,335

Name: Member Michael DiGioia
Annual Stipend: $3,500
Social Security: $15
Pension: $633
Net Medical Benefits: $14,291
Dental Benefits: $1,049
Life Insurance: $336
Workers' Compensation: $561
Total Cost: $19,335

Name: Member Katherine Kleyla
Annual Stipend: $3,500
Social Security: $165
Pension: $0
Net Medical Benefits: $5,717
Dental Benefits: 344
Life Insurance: $336
Workers' Compensation: $561
Total Cost: $10,279

Name: Member Thomas Rose
Annual Stipend: $3,500
Social Security: $15
Pension: $0
Net Medical Benefits: $14,291
Dental Benefits: $1,049
Life Insurance: $336
Workers' Compensation: $561
Total Cost: $18,702