Peabody City Council approves salary adjustment for public works foreman Mike Velez

The Peabody City Council Finance Committee convened on February 27, 2025, to discuss key financial matters, primarily focusing on a proposed salary adjustment for the Public Works Foreman for Water, Mike Velez. The meeting highlighted the importance of aligning Velez's compensation with similar positions within the city.

The discussion began with a request to incorporate Velez's long-standing stipend of approximately $18,000 into his base salary, raising it from $89,000 to about $107,000. This adjustment aims to reflect his extensive responsibilities, particularly during emergency situations such as sewer breaks, and to ensure his salary is comparable to other senior roles within the city's water treatment facilities.

Councilor Gamache raised a point regarding the job title, suggesting the removal of the term "sewer" from the title to accurately represent the position's responsibilities. This amendment was agreed upon by the committee.

Further inquiries were made about the financial implications of this adjustment. Councilor Turco questioned how the budget would reflect this change, specifically whether it would result in an increase in overall salary expenses. The committee clarified that the adjustment would not require additional funding, as the stipend would simply be rolled into the base salary, maintaining the budget's balance.

Concerns were also addressed regarding potential disparities among similarly situated employees. The committee reassured that this adjustment would not negatively impact other positions at the same level, as those employees are already at their maximum salary.

After thorough discussion, Councilor Gamache made a motion to amend the ordinance establishing compensation for the Public Works Foreman for Water. The motion was put to a roll call vote and passed unanimously, with a 5-0 decision.

In conclusion, the meeting successfully addressed the salary adjustment for Mike Velez, ensuring that his compensation reflects his contributions and aligns with other city positions. The committee's actions will take effect on March 1, 2025, marking a significant step in recognizing the value of long-serving city employees.