Representative Town Meeting Agenda & Backup (linked)

PHONE: 860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
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Dear Madam Moderator and Members of the Representative Town Meeting,
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| write to offer my strong and sincere support for a fair adjustment to the compensation of our elected
officials, specifically the Town Clerk and Tax Collector, who serve as full-time elected officials, and the
Treasurer, two Registrars of Voters, and the two Selectmen, who serve in part-time elected capacities.
These individuals serve in roles that are essential to the daily operation of our municipal government and
to the trust, our residents place in Town Hall. It is important that the value we place on their service is
consistent with the value we place on our town employees.
Every day these officials carry significant responsibility safeguarding public records, administering
elections, collecting and protecting taxpayer dollars, and helping guide the policy direction of our
community. | have witnessed firsthand their dedication, long hours, and unwavering commitment to the
people of Waterford. Whether serving in a full-time or part-time capacity, their work is performed with a
high level of competency, professionalism, and integrity that reflects the very best of public service. They
consistently perform above and beyond all expectations and they do so with respect for one another and
for the residents we all serve, regardless of party affiliation.
The Town Clerk and Tax Collector function in every respect as full-time municipal employees, interacting
with the public daily, managing complex statutory and financial requirements, and carrying legal
responsibilities that are critical to the operation of Town government. Likewise, the Treasurer, Registrars
of Voters, and Selectmen, though part-time, fulfill duties that require extensive expertise, accountability,
and availability well beyond what the title “part-time” might suggest. As the Town has made a
commitment to value its workforce through appropriate wage adjustments, | believe it is only equitable
that these elected officials—whose responsibilities parallel those of our municipal employees—receive
increases that reflect the same level of respect and appreciation.
For that reason, | respectfully request that the Representative Town Meeting refer this matter to the
appropriate committee to discuss the merits and practicality of this recommendation. A thoughtful
committee review will allow for an open, transparent evaluation of the responsibilities carried by these
elected officials, the comparability with municipal employee increases, and the long-term benefit to the
Town of maintaining a fair and consistent compensation structure.
| do want to note, for clarity, that | am not including the First Selectman in this request. By leaving the
First Selectman out of this conversation, we can ensure that “politics” does not creep into the decision
and become a reason to avoid supporting a more fair and consistent pay increase scale and for these
dedicated officials. My intent is to ensure that they are not placed in a position where they receive half of

the increase provided annually to all other town employees, despite the critical nature of the work they
perform.
Waterford is fortunate to have such capable and dedicated individuals in these roles. Supporting
reasonable increases is not simply about compensation; it is about acknowledging the importance of their
work, retaining experienced leadership, and reinforcing the message that this community values those
who serve it.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this matter and for your continued commitment to
supporting the people who serve the Town of Waterford.
Respectfully,
Robert Brule
First Selectman
Town of Waterford
cc: David Campo, Town Clerk
Glenn Patterson, Chairman, Board of Finance