South Windsor Town Manager, Clerk of the Council Receive 2 Percent Salary Increases

The Town Council at its last meeting unanimously approved 2 percent salary increases for Town Manager Matthew Galligan and Clerk of the Council Deborah Reid for 2012-13 fiscal year.

Galligan’s salary increased to $157,260, while Reid’s increased to $48,000, both of which were retroactive to July 1, 2012.

Several councilors took turns praising Galligan’s work at the Feb. 4 meeting.

“The Town Council recognizes the difficult budget situation we’re in, but we also recognize that the town manager has been leading us through this situation,” Town Councilor Keith Yagaloff said. “He has reached very significant milestones in the past year and has brought a significant amount of revenue to the town.”

Yagaloff said that while he recognized the hard work that Galligan has put into the managing the town, going forward, the council has “high expectations” for him and the projects that are in discussions.

“We think you’ve done a very good job this last year,” Yagaloff said.

Town Councilor Cary Prague added that Galligan is “one of the most respected town managers in Connecticut.

“We hear that when we meet with CCM people and other town managers speak highly of you,” Prague said. “We thank you for your hard work and diligence.”

Town Councilor Jan Snyder complimented Galligan on his ability to work on numerous different projects.

“You always seem to have 20 balls in the air that you are juggling,” she said. “I’d stack you up against any town manager out there.”

Mayor Tom Delnicki said that he would like to see one major project - a not-so-veiled reference to CT Studios - brought to fruition.

“You’ve got a very difficult job, from what I can see, especially in these tough economic times,” Delnicki said, referring to the balance of delivering top-rate services to the town while remaining fiscally responsible. “But you’ve shown the ability when faced with challenges like that to step forward and come up with something.”

Delnicki also had high praise for Reid.

“Deb, you make me look good,” Delnicki said. “You’ve made every mayor you’ve ever worked for look good. You make the councilors look good. You’re there any time we need you.”

Delnicki recalled a time when he needed a proclamation drafted for a grand opening, a task which Reid did on a Saturday.

“That just speaks volumes to your work ethic,” Delnicki said.