In a split vote, the Old Orchard Beach Town Council last week denied a 1 percent, across-the-board raise for non-union employees who have been employed by the town for at least a year.

The move was disappointing and likely disconcerting to those employees, especially after a $7,000 raise was approved that evening for Town Manager Mark Pearson, who has only been on the job six months. In addition, Town Planner Jeffrey Hinderliter was promoted to a department head and awarded a $2,500 raise, and a promotion and possible raise for Human Resource Director Tammy Lambert will be considered in October.

The 1 percent increase for the town’s non-union employees would have added up to about $12,400 ”“ approximately 27 percent of the funding the town has set aside for raises for this group, according to Council Chairman Bob Quinn. Quinn argued that he didn’t want to “water down” funding for merit-based raises, a program that will be considered in the future.

However, it’s a bitter pill to swallow for those employees who just saw $9,500 in raises go to two people, while approximately 25 people were denied $12,000 to be spread among them.

In March, the council discussed the topic, saying that about 25 employees, who were not members of unions, had not received raises in four years. Some employees allegedly complained about the 1 percent after hearing about what went on in executive session, and their comments prompted one councilor to voice his displeasure.

Councilor Michael Tousignant, who voted against the raises, said he had originally fought to give employees a raise, but “the buzz in the air” angered him and he decided not to support the 1 percent raise. He said he heard some town employees were saying that a 1 percent raise “is a joke.”

While Tousignant’s irritation is warranted, the feeling of those employees was warranted as well. And irritation should not turn into retaliation.

The down economy has meant a lot of people have gone without raises over the past few years, while the cost of living continues to climb. But for some ”“ like those in top positions and those with collective bargaining behind them ”“ raises have been a reality. It is difficult for the town’s non-union employees to see their counterparts and bosses get raises while their pay stays the same.

The $12,000 would be a small show of support for the town’s employees that their work is appreciated. The merit-based program is a good avenue to pursue, but we agree with Councilor Michael Coleman, who said “I’m looking at this (1 percent raise) as a down payment on that merit raise.”

We hope Old Orchard Beach councilors will reconsider their vote on the raises, and also tell the town’s non-union employees when they plan to pursue the merit-based program.

Ӣ Ӣ Ӣ

Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham representing the majority opinion of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.