Personnel Committee backs repeal of mayor's step and vacation waiver authority

MARLBOROUGH -- May 16, 2024, Personnel Committee votes 2-1 to recommend stripping Marlborough's mayor of unilateral hiring perks. The panel advanced an ordinance amendment from Council President Ossing that would delete sections 125-10C and 125-18A4, ending the mayor's authority to waive up to two salary steps and grant an extra week of vacation to non-union hires without council approval. Ossing, who voted for the 2021 grant during COVID, called his original vote a mistake and said the council can now convene "within 48 hours" when speed is needed. The mayor, attending the Mass Mayor's Conference, sent a four-page letter defending the flexibility; he has used the step waiver twice and the vacation bump three times across four non-union hires. Councilor Doucette cast the lone no vote, arguing the city needs the tool to land experienced candidates. Councilor Brown made the motion, saying she was voting "based on what I believe is in the best interest of the city."