Madigan receives one-year contract

MEXICO -- Selectmen unanimously voted to grant a one-year contract to John Madigan to serve as Mexico's town manager for the eighth year.

The action was taken following a 45-minute closed session on June 26 to discuss components of the contract that began July 1, according to Board Chairman Richie Philbrick.

Madigan received a 2 percent salary hike, the same as all other municipal employees this year. His salary, which includes continuing as the road commissioner, is $61,186.

Phibrick noted that Madigan, as road commissioner, checks job sites every working day using his own vehicle. It was agreed that Madigan track his mileage expenses for reimbursement.

Philbrick said it is asking a lot for the town manager to do double duty, but "we're very happy he's not asking for an increase for doing both jobs."

For his part, Madigan said, "I have a good working relationship with the board. It's been basically the same board since I've been here, except for Byron Ouellette, and he was on the Budget Committee that we worked with before he became selectman."

Philbrick said Madigan is also pleased that the town and selectmen allowed him to get the loans and Community Development Block Grant to do work on several town streets and roads.

"He's done great for the town. He loves working for Mexico," he noted.