Foxborough Town Manager Gets 2 Percent Raise

After two years of no salary increases, Foxborough Town Manager Kevin Paicos is getting a raise.

The town’s Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Tuesday to give the third-year town manager a 2 percent increase, which will net Paicos a salary of $151,286.40 in fiscal year 2014 – effective July 1.

Selectmen determined Paicos’ performance in FY13 met the board’s expectations and on Tuesday, decided that performance warranted a 2 percent increase in salary. .

Board of Selectmen vice chair Lorraine Brue opened the discussion Tuesday for a merit increase in Paicos’ salary.

“I think we should talk about an increase for Kevin [Paicos],” Brue said. “Finances and execution of tasks have been excellent and Kevin should be recognized.”

Brue, citing her experience in the private sector, suggested the board consider a 3 to 3.25 percent increase in Paicos’ salary because of the strength of his financial management.

“The benefit to the town has been significant, upwards of seven figures and that needs to be recognized,” Brue said. … “When an employee meets standards and the organization has the ability to do so I think it should be recognized.”

Selectmen acknowledged the town is currently in a position to reward employees for performance this fiscal year and agreed Paicos’ merited a salary increase – but not at Brue' suggested 3 percent.

“We are in the public sector,” said selectman James DeVellis. … “If the [merit] for average is 2 percent then Kevin [Paicos] needs to get 2 percent. … There’s been some highs and lows. With five members [Paicos’ performance] came out to meets expectations. … I have a hard time going above two percent.”

Newly elected selectman John Gray agreed with DeVellis’ assessment.

“If the guidelines take us to 2 percent then that would be appropriate,” Gray said.

Selectman Ginny Coppola and BOS chair Mark Sullivan also agreed with a 2 percent increase.

“Relying on past experience and business experience … and relying on Jim [DeVellis’] and John [Gray’s] input at 2 percent … I could go along with that,” Coppola said.

Said Sullivan: “I’m not going to disagree or beat it to death. I could repeat what John [Gray] and Jim [DeVellis] said. There’s been some real good work and there’s been some train wrecks. I can count the votes and see [2 percent increase is the choice]. I respect the board’s views.”

Paicos will be entering the fourth and final year of his current contract on July 1. If the board chooses not to renew Paicos’ contract beyond FY14 it will need to give the town manager one year’s written notice by June 30th.

To read more on the board’s review of Paicos, click here.