AMHERST — Town Manager Paul Bockelman’s contract is being extended by two years, through Aug. 31, 2027, by the Town Council, after its members completed an evaluation in which he exceeded expectations in 11 of 13 performance goals.
“If we could keep you for even longer than two more years, we would,” said District 1 Councilor Cathy Schoen, after councilors Monday, following a nearly hourlong executive session, unanimously approved a revised contract. “We appreciate your steady hand on multiple complicated issues, and your enthusiasm, so thank you very much.”
Bockelman, who is paid just under $200,000 a year, will see his salary rise by 2%, matching the cost-of-living adjustment for nonunion personnel. He could receive additional compensation if other increases are provided to other nonunion employees, with a discussion already underway of providing an additional 1.5%.
“We hope that this is a vote of confidence, it’s a vote to hang in with us, the best is yet to come, as we keep building new buildings and accomplishing the many other goals we are here to work with you on,” Council President Lynn Griesemer said following the vote on the revised contract.
Bockelman thanked the council for its confidence in his leadership, the members for their service and town residents and employees.
“This evaluation truly recognizes the hard work our town employees dedicate to our community,” Bockelman said. “No goal is met without our town employees.”
“I love working for the town,” Bockelman said.
Griesemer said since Bockelman became town manager in 2016, he has been recognized across the state as a strong and innovative leader. The council cited his accomplishments in areas of climate action, racial equity and social justice, relationship with the institutions of higher education and support for a new elementary school and renovated and expanded Jones Library.
“Amherst is a very demanding community,” Griesemer said. “Paul and the town staff provide a professional approach to the services they offer residents, allowing Amherst to be a known as a community on the leading edge of addressing current issues.”
Other councilors were equally complimentary in their comments.
“I really appreciate Paul’s leadership and guidance, and want to say thank you,” said District 4 Councilor Pamela Rooney.
District 3 Councilor Jennifer Taub cited an occasion when Bockelman was on scene of a dangerous, life-threatening fire, taking place at 3:30 a.m. “Thank you for your dedication and all the hours you give to the town,” Taub said.
Being up in the middle of the night, as he was that night and for any sort of fire call, was also referenced by outgoing District 3 Councilor Dorothy Pam, who observes Bockelman has boundless energy. “We really count on you. Thank you,” Pam said.
“I think that most people are very exceptionally happy with the work you have done, and we look forward to you serving many more years,” Pam said.
Outgoing District 5 Councilor Shalini Bahl-Milne, too, applauded Bockelman.
“I’m continuing to thank you,” Bahl-Milne said. “As a resident, it is so clear how much you care for our town, for the people, you’ve just brought such a balanced perspective, guidance, leadership, and I really admire you for that.”
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
