By John Basilesco
ATKINSON — The slumping economy will mean no raises for 121 town workers next year.
For the first time in 21 years, selectmen voted against cost-of-living raises for them, citing the sagging economy. It affects every town worker, except members of the police union, who are currently negotiating a new contract.
Of the 121 town employees who won't get raises, 113 are part time and a dozen are full-time workers.
"Selectmen weren't pleased about it," Town Administrator Steve Angelo said about the board's decision. "They had to tell town employees there would be no increase. But they had to balance the horrible economy and the ability of taxpayers to afford their government."
The board voted 3-0 against granting raises next year. Paul Sullivan, the board's chairman, and Selectmen William Friel and Fred Childs voted against the raises.
Friel said the board's decision was part of an effort to cut back because of the downturn.
"We're trying to be fiscally responsible," he said. "Our town employees do a great job and we support them, but we also have 6,600 residents we represent. Given the (weak) economy, we couldn't justify the cost of living raises. Unfortunately, it doesn't make the Board of Selectmen popular with the town employees."
Friel said this was the first time in 21 years that the town decided against granting raises. The last time was also during an economic slowdown, which started in the late 1980s and continued into the early 1990s, Friel said.
