Newport City Council is poised to make a significant decision regarding the salary of its new city manager, which could position the individual as the highest-paid municipal employee in Rhode Island. During a special meeting on May 8, 2024, discussions centered around the proposed salary of $225,000, which has raised concerns among some council members about its appropriateness compared to other state officials.

Councilor Romley expressed agreement with the sentiment that salaries for state and elected officials should not be the benchmark for municipal salaries. He highlighted that the proposed salary for the city manager would surpass that of the Providence Public Safety Director, potentially making the new hire the highest-paid municipal employee in the state. Romley suggested an amendment to lower the proposed salary to $189,000, arguing that this figure is more suitable given the current economic climate and housing market realities.

The council also noted that previous city managers and finance directors in Newport have held the title of the highest-paid municipal employees in the state, with the finance director earning approximately $180,000 annually. The discussions underscored the unique demands of the city manager role, which operates without standard hours and requires constant availability.

While some council members acknowledged the competitive nature of salaries in the public sector, they emphasized the need for careful consideration of compensation levels to ensure they align with community expectations and fiscal responsibility. The council is expected to vote on the proposed salary in the coming weeks, with implications for how Newport attracts and retains top administrative talent in the future.