SOMERS — Tax collector Lisa A. Madden is getting a raise, effective July 1, taking her salary to $78,000 from $68,959.
The additional $9,041, an increase of about 13%, will not affect the budget, said chief financial officer Michael Marinaccio. Funding for the increase is already available in the budget, either from the annual salary increase pool or from the tax department salaries themselves, he said.
Marinaccio, speaking at the June 2 Board of Selectmen meeting at City Hall, said the city was considering having salaries reviewed by a human resources consultant, but he didn’t want to wait until the Madden salary adjustment.
“The salary I’m offering is what you would need to pay for his replacement anyway,” he said.
Marinaccio said he conducted a survey using a state municipal database for towns with similar populations, those surrounding Somers and similar towns in Tolland County.
“Lisa and I have talked about her current compensation and it’s pretty low,” he said. “And she got offers, without interviews, because she’s well known.”
Marinaccio said Madden serves as vice president of the Connecticut Taxpayers Association, among other offices, and is responsible for setting up courses for tax collectors statewide.
“She’s a pretty high caliber person, and I don’t want to lose her for another competitive opportunity,” he said. “It’s a real competitive environment for tax collectors and assessors.
Marinaccio said, in passing, that he received a letter from the Treasury Department, urging state and local governments to use American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide competitive salaries to government employees.
If a consultant advises an increase in salaries for city employees, he said, funding could come from ARPA funds.
The raise is definitely money well spent, first coach Timothy RE Keeney said. He said Madden is a “phenomenal” manager and capable professional.
Coach Robert Schmidt agreed.
“I’m glad we’re doing this,” he said. “(Madden) came to me months ago and said she was offered a job by another city that was paying $10,000 more.”
Coach William Meier III was unable to attend the meeting.
