Leominster Council Discusses Mayor's $2,000 Salary Increase Proposal for School Committee

The Leominster City Council held a public hearing on August 11, 2025, focusing on two key agenda items: a proposed increase for School Committee members and the introduction of a veterans tax work-off program.

The meeting commenced with Chairperson Sushella Fu Zephyr leading discussions on communication C-94, which involves a request from Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella for a $1,000 increase in compensation for School Committee members, along with an annual cost of living adjustment based on the consumer price index. This increase is set to take effect at the beginning of the next term. The committee had previously held hearings on this matter on July 14 and July 28, 2025.

During the meeting, Chairperson Zephyr read a letter from Mayor Mazzarella, dated August 8, 2025, which requested an amendment to the proposed increase, raising it from $1,000 to $2,000. This clarification was welcomed by the committee members, who expressed satisfaction with the updated request. Councilors Pauline Cormier and Robert Tassi indicated they had no further questions regarding the matter.

Following the committee's discussion, Chairperson Zephyr opened the floor to public comments. However, no members of the public chose to speak in support of or against the proposal. Consequently, the public hearing on C-94 was closed.

The second item on the agenda was communication C-8, which involved a request from Mayor Mazzarella to approve a veterans tax work-off program. Chairperson Zephyr invited a representative, Mr. Votour, to provide details about the program, marking the beginning of discussions on this initiative.

The meeting concluded with the council preparing to address the next hearing, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to community engagement and support for local initiatives. Further discussions on the veterans tax work-off program are anticipated in subsequent meetings.