'I did not see that coming.' Killingly town manager gets unexpected salary bump

KILLINGLY – It’s been a good month for Killingly Town Manager Mary Calorio.

After a commendatory review by the Town Council on Oct. 5, members a week later opted to raise her annual salary by 3% - nearly a full percent higher than she expected.

“I did not see that coming,” Calorio said this week. “I see it as a validation of the work I’ve put in.”

The council on Tuesday was initially presented with a resolution to increase Calorio’s $148,260 yearly salary by $3,335, based on an above-average annual review. That amount was in line with raises provided this year to the town’s union and non-union staff and the same increase Calorio received last year.

But adjustments to that proposed figure were quickly put forth by council members. Councilor Kevin Kerttula’s motion to raise the salary increase to 2.5% was seconded and was poised for a vote when Ernest Lee took the floor and pushed for an even higher pay bump.

Lee argued that executive-level employees like Calorio – whether serving in the private sector or municipal government – frequently work long hours with little oversight.

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“Whatever it takes to get the job done,” he said. “Mary is not a typical employee: she’s the boss and runs the town with us providing oversight. If you want a well-run organization, you retain the best people. You pay them well or risk losing good people.”

Lee said a 3% raise was commensurate with Calorio’s performance, a statement that prompted Kerttula to rescind his motion for a 2.5% raise.

Councilor Tammy Wakefield said she was won over by Lee’s arguments and called Calorio “one of the best town managers we’ve had in a long time.”  

Calorio, who worked as the town’s finance director for years before signing on as Putnam’s town administrator in 2017, was appointed Killingly town manager in 2019 after former Town Manager Sean Hendricks abruptly resigned.

Calorio’s hiring was considered a coup for Killingly based on her familiarity with the town and previous high job marks.

Chairman Jason Anderson said the original 2.25% figure was based on several factors, including the recent employee raises and his research into other town managers’ salaries.

Anderson said since the town council/town manager form of government is relatively rare, the town of Plainville offered the best “apples-to-apples” comparison after per capita income was factored in. He said Plainville’s town manager was paid a similar amount as Calorio.

When asked by Anderson whether receiving a pay raise higher than her staff received would result in any animosity, Calorio – sounding a bit flustered before thanking the council for its consideration – said the move could play a factor in future union contract negotiations.

George shot back that if union members wanted to use Calorio’s raise as a negotiating tool, the town should simply push back.

The motion to amend the initial pay raise resolution passed with only Anderson and Councilor Ray Wood voting against the change. Anderson said his “no” vote should not be construed as any lack of faith in Calorio.

“I’m not saying she doesn’t deserve it, but we need to consider any ripple effects,” he said, adding that many residents and businesses were still reeling from the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The council, with only Anderson opposing, approved the 3%, or $4,448, raise which was made retroactive to July 1. Calorio now makes $152,710 a year.   

Lee, a self-described “fiscal conservative,” said there’s a time to spend money wisely.

“This is a good investment,” he said.

Calorio, who called the vote “unexpected,” thanked the council for its feedback and support.

“It’s good to know (one’s) efforts don’t go unnoticed.”

John Penney can be reached at jpenney@norwichbulletin.com or at (860) 857-6965