BY MATT HERSH
The position of town manager in Salem will be getting a salary boost when Henry LaBranche steps down in December.
His replacement will be paid between 17 and 27 percent more than LaBranche made during his three years in Salem.
Selectmen unanimously approved a new salary for the position on Monday, March 19. The new town manager will earn between $115,000 and $125,000 per year. LaBranche currently makes about $98,000 annually.
The move to raise the position’s salary is aimed at bringing Salem up to par with other local towns who pay more. On average, New Hampshire towns pay about $110,000 to their town managers, but larger ones like Salem pay more.
According to statistics presented at the selectmen meeting, Londonderry pays $110,000, while Derry is looking for a new town manager to fill a $125,000 position.
By upping the salary, officials hope more candidates will consider Salem when looking for a municipal position.
“I think the increase is warranted, especially if you’re going to attract the most valuable people out there,” LaBranche said. “If you want a high quality individual, what’s going to get him or her here?”
LaBranche, who initially signed on as a temporary town manager, was asked by selectmen to agree to a three-year term. He was offered a 5 percent raise in 2005 but turned it down, he said.
The contract with LaBranche expires at the end of December, but town officials are eager to start the search for a replacement because finding an acceptable candidate may be difficult.
LaBranche said he and other officials have already started looking for candidates, advertising the position online and in a variety of publications.
“It’s too soon to see where the person will come from, but the pool is shallow,” LaBranche said. “All we have to do is find one gem.”
Though LaBranche will step down at the end of the year, the town hopes to find a replacement before September. This way, the new town manager could begin working when the budget process begins with LaBranche giving any needed guidance.
Changing town managers may be an unwelcome adjustment for other town officials who look at LaBranche as a stable figure.
LaBranche, who was formerly the Salem superintendent of schools for many years, filled the town manager position in 2004 after former Town Manager Marcia Leighninger was fired.
In LaBranche’s 15 years as superintendent, the town went through seven different town managers. Each was unsuccessful at holding the position for a long period of time due to “political issues” with other officials, LaBranche said.
At the meeting, Selectman Michael Lyons said he hopes the next town manager will bring a similar attitude and ethic to the position. Increasing the salary will help make this happen, he said.
“I look at this as a way to maintain stability,” he said. “It’s imperative that we have solid leadership in that position.”
LaBranche will be interviewing each candidate who applies for the position.
“It will be a challenge (finding someone),” he said. “It will be interesting to see how the whole thing unfolds.”