Council narrows department head salary schedule change to fiscal 2026 after lengthy debate

The Malden City Council voted to limit a proposed change to the department head salary schedule to fiscal year 2026 after extended debate about city finances and union agreements.

Councilor Winslow, sponsor of the paper, said the committee recommended applying the updated salary chart only to the current fiscal year because the city has appropriated funds for fiscal 2026 but faces uncertainty in fiscal 2027 and 2028. The committee's amendment — moved by Councilor Wenzel and seconded by Councilor McDonald — limited the schedule change to fiscal year 2026.

Councilor O'Malley said he could not support the change if it risked rank-and-file positions, arguing the council should have more clarity on the city's financial outlook before approving compensation changes that could affect staffing. Councilor Colon Hayes also said she was uncomfortable approving increases before additional finance committee meetings. Councilor McDonald supported the amendment and the limited change, describing it as consistent with previously negotiated terms and appropriate to apply only to the year that has been budgeted.

The amendment to limit the schedule to fiscal 2026 passed on a roll call, 7–4 (yes: Crowe, McDonald, Cica, Spadafore, Taylor, Wenzel, Linehan; no: Colon Hayes, Condon, O'Malley, Ciminelli). On the motion to enroll the paper as amended, the council again recorded a 7–4 vote in favor.

Actions recorded in the meeting indicate the change covers roughly 13 department heads and includes retroactive pay since July 1; councilors emphasized the vote does not predetermine future salary schedules for 2027–28 and said any further contract commitments would be considered during the next budget cycle.

Tally on the amendment: 7 yes, 4 no. Tally on final enrollment as amended: 7 yes, 4 no.