News

Claremont to offer up to $135K salary for new city manager

By GLYNIS HART
[email protected]
CLAREMONT – The city manager search committee finalized the wording on the ad for a new city manager at its Thursday night meeting, including a top salary of $135,000.

The committee discussed advertising a salary range but decided not to set a minimum salary. Committee chair Allen Damren said the $135,000 top salary would depend on the applicant’s experience and qualifications. 

“Our discussions have led us to believe we’ve got to put our best foot forward, in comparison to surrounding towns like Newport,” said Damren. 

The previous city manager was hired at a salary of $110,000. 

Claremont’s city council is following the model of Sullivan County in conducting the search and hiring process without hiring an outside consultant, but using assistance from Primex. New Hampshire Primex is public risk management exchange that offers its members training in relevant topics. 

“Primex will work with us regarding interview techniques and questions,” said committee member Deb Mattau. 

The committee plans to post an ad next Monday or Tuesday, with a deadline for applications 30 days from that day. 

Police Chief Mark Chase asked how much the search committee is involved in the hiring process. 

“City council has reserved the right to review all applicants,” said Damren. “We’re not eliminating any of them.” 

The search committee won’t rank applicants according to preference, either, as that could be subjective. “Our role will be doing interviews, and we will forward our recommendations to the full council and at that point we’re done,” said Damren.

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