AMHERST — Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman is being provided a 3% boost in his annual salary, pushing it above $200,000, in recognition of his high performance in his annual evaluation.
Town Council on Monday voted 11-0, with one member absent and one member abstaining, to revise the contract by offering a 2.5% cost of living increase and a .5% performance increase. Bockelman earned $198,600 in gross wages in 2023, meaning the increase would add about $6,000.
Council President Lynn Griesemer said in a statement that Bockelman is recognized across Massachusetts as a strong and innovative leader, and met or exceeded the Town Council’s expectations on all 13 performance goals, despite working in a demanding community.
“Paul and the town staff provide a professional approach to the services they offer residents, allowing Amherst to be known as a community on the leading edge of addressing current issues,” Griesemer said. “We welcome the opportunity to work with Paul as we ensure a sound future for the town.”
Bockelman said he values the feedback from all councilors and talks to each one about their positive comments and their critiques as he aims to improve his performance.
“Working with the town’s incredibly talented and dedicated staff makes this challenging work not only rewarding but also fulfilling,” Bockelman said.
No other changes were made to Bockelman’s contract, which extends through Aug. 31, 2027. Bockelman is in his ninth year as town manager, having started in 2016.
Among the policy goals he received high marks for are climate action, economic vitality and major capital building investments, along with management goals of administration and leadership, personnel management, finance, community engagement, relationship with the Town Council, and relationship with higher education institutions.
The Town Council made its assessment after receiving feedback from town employees, board and committee members, and the broader community.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
