Pottstown to Vote on Six-Figure Salary for Borough Manager
Search committee suggests incoming borough manager should receive a yearly salary between $110,000 and $130,000; vote scheduled for Monday
Following the May resignation of Jason Bobst as borough manager, Pottstown Borough Council hired the Meyner Center to conduct the search for a replacement. With the center's salary recommendation up for a formal vote on Monday, the incoming borough manager could be looking at a six-figure income.
According to a report by the Pottstown Mercury, council will formally vote to approve or deny the recommended salary range for the incoming borough manager, which is reported to be between $110,000 and $130,000 per year. The report states the hope is that a higher salary range will lure in higher-quality field of candidates, and Councilman Mark Gibson added that the new range would only be $14,000 to $27,000 more than the previous manager received.
Not all councilmen were on board with the idea however, as Councilman Dan Weand took exception to the pay increase.
"I understand the concept of you get what you pay for, but this is a financially depressed area and this is a substantial increase," said Weand, in the article on the Pottstown Mercury. "How can we afford it?"
Pottstown Borough Council will vote on the matter during their regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 13,
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Herman
7:18 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
If you want to pay a six figure salary have the following criteria: Have more than 3 years experience, live in Pottstown, not be a puppet for council, understand that damage the last manager caused the town and fix it. The last choice was poor and worth about half the salary he was making.
John Prutzman
10:45 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
Herman, I strongly encourage you to "do some research!" With an 'open-mind', study the history, study and literally 'view' Pottstown and learn about the current population to realize the current and growing conditions and challenges... to realize why Pottstown is ‘what it is’ today. Especially interview ALL of the Pottstown leaders… even former leaders… from the very top to and including the leaders of the various P-groups... PDIDA, PACA, MCLT, etc. After you conduct your research, I am certain 'the facts’ will change your thoughts and former comments. [I would share my research with you but believe it best for you to learn and decide for yourself.]
Golden Cockroach
9:30 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
The residency requirement, definitely. Experience, absolutely. Jason was a terrific manager, a job made more complex by the fact that he inherited departments that were understaffed, under motivated and technologically in the dark ages. He accomplished miracles in the finance department. Thanks to many, (and not in the least), Jason, the Council is poised to vote on the Charge Back ordinance that will hold rental owners fiscally responsible for the destructive behaviors of their renters.
In every community the Codes Departments are KEY to progress. The new manager can build on Jason's successes by taking steps to assure that this department becomes a lean, clean revenue generating machine. Taking aim at negligent investors by using the latest technology, following the letter of the law and getting up to speed on PA Act 90. Make P.town more attractive to the right kinds of investors. If Codes needs more staff, hire them. If they need to learn to use computers and software that enables efficiency, then make it happen.
We need a manager who sees the value in discouraging "extractive" investing and one who knows how to create long-term value for future home/business owners, in turn, generating sustainable income for the boro. We also need a PAID board with a stated vision, and a goal for P.town, (if there is one, it's the best kept secret in town).
Accomplish all of that and a new manager could make up the difference in salary, and some left over.
John Prutzman
10:57 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
'RIGHT-ON' GC...!! At any income, it will be hard to find another Jason or anyone ["willing and even tenacious enough"] with the necessary credentials as you suggested.... 'and even more'... that Pottstown desperately needs now!