ROCKPORT — The town's new administrator, Linda Sanders, will earn $95,000 a year, under a new 31âÑ2-year contract selectmen agreed to Tuesday night.
Sanders' term commences Jan. 1 and expires June 30, 2013. While the former town administrator's last contract was only for three years, it's not the first time selectmen have approved a 31âÑ2-year term. Sanders said the extra six months were proposed in an effort to coincide the contract's expiration date with the end of the 2013 fiscal year.
Each year, Sanders will receive a cost of living allowance (COLA) increase equivalent to those received by other non-union town employees. She will also be eligible for merit-based increases.
Sanders' benefits include retirement and insurance; four weeks' paid vacation; a travel allowance, including mileage; a professional development allowance; and a clause allowing Sanders flexible work hours. There is also a clause prohibiting the town from reducing Sanders' salary and benefits unless the reduction is across the board for all other town employees.
The contract, which can be modified annually, explains in extensive detail the town's various severance pay responsibilities.
If the administrator is terminated by a four-member majority of the Board of Selectmen, the town is obligated to pay a lump sum severance equal to six months aggregate salary. If termination is recommended by a three-member majority, only two months severance pay is owed. In both cases, selectmen must give Sanders at least six months notice.
However, if a three-member majority of the Board of Selectmen terminates the administrator's contract due to "immoral," "illegal" or "criminal" actions, the town is not required to provide severance pay. Lastly, if Sanders were to resign, Rockport would only have to pay her salary until the resignation's effective date.
The 60-year-old Sanders comes to Rockport from Ashby, where she has served since 1997. Prior to her position in municipal government, Sanders worked as a manager for Digital Equipment Corp.
A resident of Winchendon, Sanders has said she intends to find a new home in Rockport as soon as possible.
The contract is expected to be signed by town counsel in the coming days.
Jonathan L'Ecuyer can be reached at 978-283-7000 x 3451 or jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
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