NORTON - Town Manager James Purcell is proposing a salary range change which he said needs to be adjusted because six of nine administrators' salaries "are up against the ceiling."
The change, which goes before town meeting voters on Wednesday, proposes to allow a 4 percent salary range increase, while eliminating the current provision for five weeks of vacation.
Purcell said under the provision, no new hires would be eligible for five weeks of vacation, which he described as "excessive," especially considering the current job market.
He told selectmen that as he sees it, the town "has to come up to market level in wages and come down to market level on benefits."
Selectmen Chairman Bob Kimball said the salary schedule change would not automatically entitle those employees currently at the top of their pay scales to receive a 4 percent increase. "We're not changing anybody's salary, we're changing the range of salary and we're cutting the fifth week of vacation," he said. Kimball noted that any salary increases would have to go before town meeting for approval at a later date.
"It does not commit anyone to raises," Purcell said of the change, which was supported by selectmen.
He estimated the change would give selectmen "at least two years or more" in negotiating wiggle room "because of the economic climate."
Purcell also said that while he has been asked by the elected water/sewer commission members to get involved in negotiations with the water/sewer superintendent, "it's not what's driving this."
He said the town is preparing to start negotiations with non-union personnel.
"This is only to facilitate things for my successor and because six of nine people are against the ceiling," said Purcell, who will retire in late January.