Concord City Council approves 3% salary increase for city manager's contract 2026

The Concord City Council meeting held on July 14, 2025, focused on key discussions regarding the city manager's contract and adjustments to employee compensation. The council considered a motion to approve a 3% salary increase for the city manager for fiscal year 2026, amounting to approximately $6,500 annually. Additionally, the proposal included an update to the city manager's vacation accrual policy, allowing for a 90-day carryover.

Councilor Kredovic, who introduced the motion, emphasized the city manager's long tenure of 20 years and his commitment to prioritizing city employees. He argued that the proposed salary adjustment was a responsible reflection of the city manager's leadership and the rising cost of living in New Hampshire.

However, Councilor Schultz expressed concerns about the perception of wage increases in the community, stating that while he appreciates the city manager's performance, the increase felt disproportionate compared to the average wages of city employees. He highlighted the need for a broader conversation about wages in Concord, particularly regarding the minimum wage, which remains low compared to neighboring states.

The council ultimately voted on the motion, which passed with a vote of 10 to 3. The discussion underscored the ongoing dialogue about compensation and wage equity within the city, reflecting the complexities of balancing fair pay for leadership while considering the economic realities faced by the community.

In addition to the salary discussion, the meeting included a public hearing on amendments to the city's classification and compensation plan, specifically concerning positions for parking enforcement officers and equipment technicians. These changes were part of the budget already approved by the council, indicating a continued effort to align compensation with the city's operational needs.

Overall, the meeting highlighted significant steps in addressing employee compensation while navigating community concerns about wage equity and economic conditions.