SWAMPSCOTT — The Select Board approved contract extensions for the non-union positions of treasurer, building commissioner, police chief, and fire chief through fiscal year 2027.
Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald presented the board with his endorsement of each employee, starting with Treasurer Patrick Luddy.
“Over the last year, we elevated our bond rating to AAA. Just a few years ago, we were AA-,” Fitzgerald said. “Patrick (Luddy) has been an indispensable part of our finance team… I am so impressed with his commitment to public service.”
Luddy’s extension includes yearly salaries of $105,000 for FY25, $107,000 for FY26, and $110,000 for FY27. It also includes a $3,500 annual performance bonus.
While the board voted unanimously in favor of Luddy’s extension, the remaining three were passed by a vote of 4-1, with Chair MaryEllen Fletcher voting against each extension because the contracts were not set to expire until FY25.
“In my opinion, there was no reason to address them,” Fletcher said. “We have other members of our talented staff whose contracts are due in 2025 and I don’t think it set a good precedent… I’m concerned about equity. I do have a fiduciary responsibility.”
She emphasized that her decision had nothing to do with the individuals or their performances.
Building Commissioner Stephen Cummings’ extension includes salaries of $115,000 for FY25, $120,000 for FY26, and $125,000 for FY27. Similarly, Police Chief Ruben Quesada and Fire Chief Graham Archer will both receive $5,000 increases for each remaining year on their contracts, starting with salaries of $175,000 and $159,000, respectively, for FY25.
Resident William Dimento spoke out Tuesday night against the decisions of Fitzgerald and the board to extend employees whose contracts had yet to expire.
“It has to do with the principle of someone signing a contract for so many years, and then after one or two years, decides they don’t want to live with it,” Dimento said. “You need to be more responsible and what you’re doing is disgraceful.”
Board members Doug Thompson and David Grishman disagreed with Dimento’s perspective, with Grishman using Archer as an example to argue that all four employees deserved their extensions.
“You’re anything but average and the town is lucky to have you,” Grishman said to Archer. “I’d give you the moon and the stars if I could, but since I can’t, I’ll support your contract.”
