Torrington council adopts reduced merit schedule after performance review summary

The Torrington City Council approved the city’s annual performance evaluation results and a related merit increase schedule at its Dec. 16 meeting.

Clerk‑Treasurer Lynette Strecker told council the evaluation form was shortened this year from 10 questions to five and now allows half‑point scoring, which department heads preferred. Strecker reported 84 evaluations were completed, with an average performance score of 4.14 (median 4.2). She said 26 employees (about 31%) were rated "extraordinary," 34 (about 40%) "exceeds expectations," 14 (about 17%) "fully meets expectations," and 10 (about 12%) "meets expectations." The average merit increase was described as about $0.50 an hour over six months and the projected six‑month merit expense is approximately $56,337, below the $70,000 budgeted amount.

Under the recommended schedule, Strecker and the wage committee proposed reduced merit percentages: the top tier at 2% and other tiers at lower percentages (the committee earlier reduced maximum percentages from prior years). The committee and council discussed the methodology, stipend rules for employees at the top of their pay scales (11 employees receive a monthly merit stipend totaling $8,565 for six months), and the committee’s process for justifying scores.

Councilman Diehl moved to approve the performance evaluation and merit increase request; Councilman Kelly seconded the motion, which the council approved by voice vote with no nays.

Strecker and council members emphasized the committee’s multi‑month review process and said supervisors will explain changes and eligibility to employees.