Board of Finance approves 2.75% pay increase for first selectman

The Board of Finance voted unanimously on a 2.75% pay increase for the town’s first selectman and said it will forward the recommendation to the Town Council for final consideration.

Cheryl Jones, the town’s human resources director, told the board she and a colleague were seeking the increase to align the first selectman’s pay with the average increase given to town employees. “We are here tonight to respectfully request that the board of finance approve a 2.75% increase to the first selectman salary for fiscal year 20 25 and fiscal year 20 26,” Jones said.

Jones told the board the salary had not been reviewed during the regular budget process and called the request a “catch up and clean up” consistent with the charter and town rules. Jones said the first selectman’s salary had been set at $171,000 when Diana assumed office under a two‑year term that will end in November.

Board members moved and seconded the motion. Michael Chen made the motion to approve the increase and Nick Matrakis seconded; the board voice vote was recorded as “Aye” with no opposition.

Board members discussed timing and budget mechanics briefly. Jones said the increase would be covered in the general fund budget and flagged that any necessary intra‑budget transfers could be handled in October. The board did not set an exact effective date during the meeting; participants referenced July 1 and December 1 in discussion but the minutes show no final effective‑date language beyond approving the increase and forwarding it to the Town Council for final action.

The vote recorded by the board completes the Board of Finance step in the town’s approval process; the recommendation will now be considered by the Town Council.