Vernon Town Administrator Gets Performance-Based Extension

VERNON, CT — Vernon Town Administrator Michael Purcaro and the local town council this week agreed to a new four-year contract with performance-based raises.

The council Tuesday unanimously approved the deal. Purcaro is also Vernon's director of emergency and risk management, a position he has maintained since 2004.

Purcaro became Vernon's town administrator in October 2017, moving over from a six-year stint as the director of business and finance for the local public schools system

The four-year contract focuses on what council members termed "performance and results." It does not include a specific pay raise, but a range of zero to 3 percent based upon annual performance reviews that will be completed by the Mayor. A "satisfactory" review yields a 1.5 percent raise, while a "superior" or "outstanding" evaluation would result in up to a 3 percent salary increase. There is no provision for a cost of living increase or bonus.

Purcaro's current salary is $139,609.

"When we hired Mike three years ago we expected him to bring to town government the efficiencies and vision he put in place as the school system’s finance director," Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. "He has done that, and has not let up. Mike continues to search for new and better ways to serve our residents, and continues to set high standards for himself, our department heads and all town employees. By basing any future pay raise on performance, we are telling Mike we continue to have high expectations of him."

Purcaro said he is willing to work for it.

"Together with the Mayor, the Town Council, our department heads, staff and the many volunteers who support our community, we have made Vernon more sustainable, more affordable for our residents, more desirable for businesses, and have overall maximized taxpayer return on investment," Purcaro said. "For the past two years we have had no increase in our mill rate while significantly expanding programs and services for our residents and those who visit our community."

Purcaro said his core beliefs are "meeting and exceeding taxpayers’ expectations, and identifying and implementing the most efficient and value-added ways of providing high quality government services to Vernon residents."

One method has been "robust shared services and risk management programs with the Board of Education"

He said, Vernon has, "literally saved hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars. We have also saved our employees money through decreased medical and dental premiums."

Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary, hailed the new contract.

"His leadership and his abilities are an asset to the town of Vernon," Macary said of Purcaro. "He knows how school systems and municipal governments operate. He has increased government transparency, accountability, cost efficiency, and quality of service with his creativity and innovation."

Council member Ann Letendre praised Purcaro’s attention to detail, administrative skills and the respectful way he deals with people.

"I'm exceptionally pleased Mike is staying for another four years," Letendre said. "Mike
has been a wonderful asset to our town administration. We’re very pleased with his work."

Deputy Mayor Steve Wakefield said he was pleased to vote for a new contract with Purcaro.

"Once in a great while, whether it's in private business or public service, there comes along a person who not only gets it, but exhibits it every day 110 percent," Wakefield said. "That’s Mike. He is knowledgeable about everything for which he is responsible, he is extremely creative, he has saved the town a ton of money, he’s a skilled organizer and planner and he responds to every contact made of him."

Added council member Polly Schaefer, "Mike is involved in so much in our community and wears many hats. And now with COVID-19, he's directing our response to that. We're fortunate to have him in the town of Vernon. I don't know how he keeps up.”

Purcaro has served in a variety of roles in the private and public sectors including a role as chief administrative officer for the Connecticut Department of Public Health. He has earned a variety
of certifications and is a licensed physical therapist and certified school business official.