First Selectman Apologizes to Somers Citizens Over Bonus Snafu

SOMERS, CT — First Selectman Bud Knorr issued an apology to the residents of Somers Tuesday, regarding his "lapse in judgment" in awarding bonuses to more than two dozen town employees, including himself, without approval from the full Board of Selectmen.

Knorr has served as first selectman since the May 2017 resignation of Lisa Pellegrini. He has been a member of the Board of Selectmen for 11 years.

At a July 16 board meeting, selectman Tim Potrikus questioned bonuses given in late June to 31 town employees, totaling $32,000. Knorr received the largest bonus, $3,000, plus a 4 percent salary increase.

Potrikus contended Knorr authorized the pay adjustments himself, without consent of the full board. Knorr replied he was under the impression a new performance appraisal system, implemented in 2019, gave him that authority, but indicated he would not make any future decisions in that manner.

The Board of Finance met Monday evening, and board member Bill Meier questioned the transparency of the bonus and salary adjustment process. He also posed the thought that Knorr awarding himself a bonus and raise constituted a conflict of interest, citing personal gain policies.

Knorr posted the following apology late Tuesday afternoon on the Town of Somers Facebook page:

TO ALL SOMERS CITIZENS
I’ve included my statement to the Board of Finance on Monday July 27,2020 regarding the current controversy surrounding salary administration.
As indicated , past First Selectmen raised their own salaries that were included in the annual approved budgets. Thinking no further action was required, they did so without the express approval of the Board of Selectmen. This practice will change going forward.
I followed this past precedent and awarded myself a salary increase and bonus which in retrospect was a lapse in judgement and an error for which I apologize.
Effectively immediately, I have taken the following actions: I have retroactively rescinded this increase along with reimbursing the Town for the one and only bonus that I received. In addition, I am recommending that the Board of Selectmen establish a more formal procedure for salary administration to avoid any appearance of impropriety and in the spirit of transparency and open government..
Furthermore , we will follow the instructions/recommendations of the Board of Finance to provide a detailed analysis of past salary/bonus administration along with legal and independent accounting audits to satisfy all concerns.
I have always followed the precepts in the Bible that…” The truth will set you free”…and the open and accurate truth regarding this controversy will be the modus operandi.
I take my oath of office and my personal ethics and moral behavior to be the path that I tread every day.
Hopefully you will not interpret my recent lapse of judgement as an indication of my true character and will appreciate and support the totality of my many years of service to Somers.

He concluded his post with a link to a statement he made at Monday's Board of Finance meeting. That statement may be viewed here.

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