Peabody committee approves 3% raise for mayor after debate over base figure

Peabody City’s Committee of the Whole voted 8–2 to approve a 3% raise for the mayor, resolving a disagreement over which base salary the increase should apply to and adopting a final annual salary of $146,260.

The committee opened the meeting by identifying a single agenda item: review of the mayor’s salary under Section 2-13 of the city code. Councilor Turco confirmed the item and said the mayor should receive the standard 3% increase given to municipal employees this year: "I would gladly support the 3%." A councilor then read ordinance language proposing an amendment to Section 2-13 and cited prior code language that listed a $139,000 figure.

Discussion focused on which baseline number to use for the 3% calculation. Councilor Gamache cited figures provided by Mike Gingras’ office, saying the materials showed $139,049 (effective dates referenced) and a different computed figure of $143,221.26. After councilors asked for verification, the motion’s numeric total was adjusted in the meeting. One calculation discussed produced $143,170 as a 3% total; another, using a higher base (described in discussion as $142,000), produced a 3% result of $146,260. The amended motion on the floor applied the 3% increase that yielded a $146,260 annual salary.

The council conducted a roll-call vote. The recorded votes were: Stegel Yes; Gamache Yes; Hockman Yes; Turco Yes; Manny Martin No; Welton Yes; Ladoff Yes; Corriveau No; Peach Yes; Higgins Yes. The chair announced the motion carried, 8–2. No amendments to the motion were recorded beyond the numeric adjustment, and no further follow-up tasks or effective date were specified on the record.

The meeting adjourned immediately after the vote.

Why it matters: The council’s choice to align the mayor’s increase with the general 3% raise given to city personnel affects the mayor’s compensation and sets a parity precedent between elected leadership and municipal staff. The discussion also highlighted the importance of clear staff-provided figures when calculating salary adjustments.