The Select Board of the Town of Danvers voted to approve a five‑year employment contract for Jill Kaye Hill, the board said, with an annual starting salary of $220,000, four weeks of vacation and up to $2,000 in moving assistance.

Board members and meeting attendees described Hill as a good fit for the town and thanked the volunteer screening committee and the negotiators who completed the contract. "I just wanna reassure everyone that we carefully consider a number of factors when negotiating the contracts, including the market rate for the town manager in similar size communities, our budget constraints, and the needs for the town," Select Board member Dee said. "Ultimately, our goal was to strike a balance that ensures we have been responsible with taxpayer money while also bringing the kind of leadership that we need for our town."

Select Board member Maureen, who said she had contacted references for the finalist candidates, said she heard "wonderful things" about Hill and called her "very approachable" and likely to work well with residents and boards. Select Board member Mike said the selection process had been "quite the education" and that he was excited for Hill to begin. Select Board member David thanked the negotiators and called their work "very tasteful, graceful, and excellent."

Contract terms recorded in the meeting: a five‑year term; starting salary of $220,000; four weeks vacation (Hill had sought five); no automobile allowance; and a moving reimbursement of up to $2,000. The board voted verbally in open session to approve the contract as presented; the clerk recorded the ayes and the chair closed the vote.

Because the vote took place in public session, the board did not go into executive session on the hiring details. Board members said they would convey the signed contract to the new manager and coordinate her start date and onboarding.

The action follows the town's recent manager search and screening process; board members publicly thanked the screening committee and the negotiators who led discussions with the finalist.

The Select Board will provide administrative staff instructions to complete any required postings and personnel files associated with the appointment. The meeting record did not state a precise start date for Hill.