SAUGUS — They say change is good, but the town might beg to differ: The Board of Selectmen just extended Town Manager Scott Crabtree’s contract until 2025.
In its July 20 meeting, the Board of Selectmen approved a three-year extension of Crabtree’s contract, which was set to expire in August 2022.
“Scott loves Saugus, and it’s evident in every decision he makes for our community,” said Selectman Debra Panetta.
Under the terms of his new contract, Crabtree will have a base salary of $183,824 when the extension begins on Aug. 25, 2022, and will receive a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase each year.
As part of the contract extension, Crabtree forewent a 5 percent longevity allowance and agreed to meet with the Board of Selectmen within 45 days of the addendum being signed to discuss goals and objectives. Crabtree and four out of five selectmen must approve the criteria and language associated with the town manager’s performance review.
Selectman Corinne Riley was the only vote against the three-year extension, but took time during the meeting to clarify her position on the matter. Riley stated while there were some areas where Crabtree excelled, specifically mentioning his conservative fiscal policy, there are also some areas for improvement such as better planning and more transparency.
“Voters spoke loud and clear at all levels of our local government last election and clearly indicated their appetite for change; if they didn’t, then we’d have a very different Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Town Meeting today,” Riley said. “The position of town manager is not voted directly by the people, but I felt that since the overwhelming number of voters in our last election voted for change, they deserved a seat at the table to have their voices heard.
“For this reason, I could not support a contract extension.”
Selectman Michael Serino added that while no town manager is perfect, Crabtree has done some great things for Saugus. He specifically mentioned the construction of the new middle-high school, as well as updates to elementary schools and the fact that the town has $4 million in free cash. He also made note of Crabtree’s guidance of the town through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crabtree said that he appreciated the board’s support and he hopes to continue to improve as a town manager.
“It’s an honor. It’s a tough job; I would be lying to say it’s not,” he said. “I’ve been through a lot, the town’s been through a lot, and others have been through a lot. I appreciate the support. I’m going to continue to work as hard as I can. I love the job, I love the community and I just appreciate it.”