Starting salary of $275,000: City Council signs deal with Eric Batista, city manager
WORCESTER - Worcester has a permanent city manager, as the City Council Tuesday voted unanimously to ink a contract with Eric D. Batista.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be recognized and selected as city manager. This is a historic moment for the city and a historic moment for the Latino community,” Batista, the city’s first Latino city manager, said after signing the agreement.
He thanked his family as well as all the community members who stressed and advocated for, “the importance of equity at the highest level of city government.
“I’m honored by all that work and look forward to continuing to serve the city of Worcester, which I love,” Batista continued.
“It’s historic, but also good for Worcester. He’s bright. He’s articulate. He’s a forward looking individual who will bring Worcester to a new plane of success.”
At-Large Councilor Kate Toomey
Councilors were similarly enthused, beaming as Batista signed the contract and raised his hand to take the oath of office.
“We’re all very pleased,” at-Large Councilor Donna Colorio said as the councilors left for the evening.
“He’s a great asset. We couldn’t be prouder,” District 2 Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson interjected.
Toomey: 'It's historic'
Meanwhile, District 1 Councilor Sean Rose and at-Large Councilor Kate Toomey noted the historic nature of the hire.
“It’s historic, but also good for Worcester,” Toomey said. “He’s bright. He’s articulate. He’s a forward looking individual who will bring Worcester to a new plane of success.”
Batista was appointed acting city manager in early April, effective following the departure of former City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. at the end of May.
The council originally voted 10-1 at that time for a nationwide search for a permanent city manager. But in September, Mayor Joseph M. Petty said he favored forgoing a search and giving the permanent job to Batista. That set off division in the council among those who wanted to continue the nationwide search and those who wanted to appoint Batista directly.
The City Council voted 8-3 at its Nov. 15 meeting to make Batista the permanent city manager.
The council since closed its meetings by going into executive session to negotiate a contract.
After doing so Tuesday night, the council returned to public session to formalize the appointment.
Deal for 2 years
According to a summary, the term of the contract is approximately two years, beginning Dec. 6, 2022, and ending Dec. 31, 2024. The City Council will provide notice of intent to negotiate a subsequent agreement by June 20, 2024.
The salary for the position is $275,000, and after a year, there will be a 3% cost-of-living increase, or such lesser percentage reflective of the highest percentage increase awarded to any city bargaining unit.
Benefits include five weeks vacation leave; payment of $3,750 toward (each) the cost of disability insurance and cost of life insurance; on Jan. 6 of the year, the city will make the maximum payment allowed by the IRS towards a deferred-compensation plan; use of a city-owned vehicle; and a six-month severance benefit if removed from office.
“I anticipate that Eric Batista will bring efficient and effective leadership along with a diversity of vision in his role as the permanent city manager as we lead this city forward together - mayor, council and manager,” at-Large Councilor Khrystian King said in a statement. “This appointment is a message to our city youth that anything is possible.”
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: With salary of $275K: Worcester City Council signs deal with Batista
