Chatham Selectmen Consider Pay Increases

CHATHAM – The Chatham Board of Selectmen is considering a hike in their stipends, arguing they haven’t been increased in years.

However, due to state law, the board is facing procedural challenges in proposing their own pay raises.

The state’s conflict of interest law typically prohibits selectmen from involvement in discussions that could lead to a financial gain.

“This is a delicate matter in terms of procedure because we all stand to benefit in one way or another,” said Selectman Dean Nicastro.

Chatham selectmen currently earn an annual $2,000 stipend, with the chairman receiving an extra $500. Compared to other select boards across the Cape, Chatham selectmen are just below the average pay. Chairmen earn an average of $3,249 in annual stipends across Cape Cod.

Selectwoman Shareen Davis called the current stipend received by the Board “stingy, at best.”

“Honestly, when I looked at going to town meetings before in the past before I was a selectman and looking at the amount of stipend that selectmen received, and knowing people to the Board and what they’re doing, it’s nice to know that you add a little more value to the position. So, I’d be supportive of an increase,” Davis said.

The board had requested town staffers to survey the annual stipends paid to boards in other Cape towns, finding a low of $1,500 in Brewster to a high of $5,000 in Falmouth.

Selectman Cory Metters said that he didn’t take the job for the pay, but also expressed that he felt it would be procedurally appropriate to “be on par with the other communities.”

“I think $3,035, kind of like Orleans, is maybe more in the ballpark. Procedurally, if we put a number out there for town meeting, it goes through the process, and they want to reduce it I think is the cleanest way to do it,” said Metters.

Nicastro has proposed raising the stipend for selectmen to $4,000 and the chairman’s to $5,000. Nicastro also suggested a $1,200 honorarium for the Town Moderator.

Nicastro also argues that a reasonably generous pay increase would encourage those in the private sector to consider running for office.

The board ultimately voted unanimously to include the article in the town meeting warrant with the new stipends, referred to as salaries in Chatham.

Selectmen also unanimously voted to be officially named the Chatham Board of Selectmen on a motion filed by Jeffrey Dykens.

By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center