Advisory Committee Advances New Senior Pay Grade

Advisory Committee · Meeting of October 7, 2026

WELLESLEY — The Wellesley Advisory Committee voted 12-1 to advance a new top salary grade for three senior town officials. Human Resources liaison Tanya Basu said the new Class 16, running about 15 percent above the current $148,600-to-$200,600 top grade, would let the finance director, public works director and facilities management director move up, with retroactive merit pay possible for the facilities director back to July 2025. Member Penny Rossano asked, "So somebody made a mistake, right?

Who was it? Was it the consultant? Was it us?" Member Daniel Weinger cast the lone dissenting vote, citing discomfort with retroactive payments.

The committee separately voted 12-1 to kill its own proposed bylaw letting it email its town meeting report instead of mailing it, after Committee Administrator Alyssa Keane said printing and mail costs ran $2,600 for the last annual report. Members also approved $325,000 for library LED lighting and $350,000 for a new comprehensive plan, both 13-0, and heard extensive public testimony on accelerating school air conditioning ahead of the November 9 special town meeting.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,507 words

Source: the Advisory Committee meeting of October 7, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.