Riverhead budget includes 76 merit raises and new positions to address retention

The Town of Riverhead's tentative 2027 budget includes 76 merit raises, nine promotional raises, six new full-time positions and two new part-time positions, Supervisor Jerry Helpin said at a Sept. 24 special meeting. "Since taking office the message I have heard loud and clear is the town of Riverhead struggles to attract and retain employees due to low entry-level pay," Helpin said.

Helpin said, specifically, the budget moves 46 employees up two steps on the salary scale to boost retention in departments such as senior services, highway and buildings and grounds. He characterized the pay changes as an investment in town services, saying salaries, benefits, retirement and training remain leading appropriation categories.