Emotions Erupt over Town Clerk’s Salary at Avon Budget Hearing

AVON — The Avon Town Board has approved the Preliminary Budget for the 2014 fiscal year, however it was not without a lengthy argument.

On Thursday, November 7, the board opened a public hearing for the approval of the 2014 budget, no visitors posed any questions during the hearing however a heated discussion erupted between the board members regarding a salary increase for Sharon Knight, who has been the Avon Town Clerk for the past fourteen years and the Deputy Clerk who was also requesting a salary increase.

“I am requesting the amount of $39,000, and the approval for the Deputy Clerk to attend the yearly town clerk’s conference with me,” said Knight who’s salary is currently $34,000 and is hoping the increase would take it to $39,000. “I don’t think that’s unreasonable.”

During the length of the discussion the vote stood at three to two in favor of not increasing the salary.

“We have consistently given everyone a 3% raise, I think that is more than generous, no one has been slighted. I’m good with the budget the way that it is,” said Blye.

Robert Ayers, and Richard Steen,  both Avon Town Councilman were in agreement to raise Knight’s as well as the Deputy Clerk’s salary and fund the annual Town Clerk’s Conference which would be attended by both.

“I don’t think that it’s good for the community to have new people in and out of that position because of the salary,” said Steen in regards to the Deputy Clerk position.

The following are the proposed salaries of the Town of Avon:

• Supervisor                                                        $12,607.00

• Councilman(4)                                                  $4,933.00

• Town Justice(1)                                                $12,379.00

• Town Justice (2)                                               $12,379.00

• Town Clerk                                                        $34,223.00

• Highway Superintendent                                   $61,545.00

“When everything is said and done, I have $60 left in my budget to buy all the supplies needed for the office, if you’re going to have a discussion about it fine discuss it, but you need to make up your minds and so we can all move on,” said Knight in a very emotional response while slamming papers onto the table. “Things get approved before the board without question, and if this calls for discussion that’s fine but I just wanted to make the point that I am the one that is very careful at cutting back on things we don’t need.”

At the conclusion of the hearing all board members decided that the annual Town Clerk’s Conference would be approved and will be added into the budget however the 3% raise that was given for the 2014 fiscal year will remain the same.

“I have always cut back nickels and dimes everywhere that I can, and I will continue to do so,” said Knight.

For more information, the Town of Avon 2014 budget will be available to the public during regular business hours.