Study committee sets proposed council pay, schedules public outreach as charter drafting continues

The Town Council Study Committee on March 12 approved a proposal setting councilor compensation at $40 and a premium for the council president at $50, and advanced outreach and drafting steps for a proposed town charter ahead of a nonbinding May 3 vote.

The committee’s vote on pay came after extended discussion of possible salary levels, health-benefit treatment and the budgetary impact of paying nine councilors. “If it isn't broke, don't fix it,” the committee chair said while summarizing options, and members agreed to present the $40/$50 figure for further public feedback. Committee members also asked staff to clarify timing and transitional details in the draft charter and to seek a contract modification to add funds for the Collins Center, the outside consultant that prepared earlier charter materials.

Why it matters: The compensation rule would be written into the charter language being prepared for voter review; committee members said doing so creates an enforceable obligation that future councils must fund. Members also said the pay figure could affect who runs and how the town budgets for a smaller elected legislative body instead of the traditional open town meeting.

Committee discussion and context Committee members…