Council members react to reimbursement accusations
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Thursday, May 14, 2009 - 2:46pm
Town council Chairman John Barry said the surprise accusations made by council member Michael Riccio Monday are “slanderous and malicious.”
Barry said the reimbursements questioned by Riccio were approved by the town manager and in accord with the town charter.
“All members of the council shall serve without compensation except for reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in the performance of official duties during the term for which they are elected,” according to the charter.
“I have not received any other reimbursements since May 2007,” Barry said.
“I’m certainly aware with the situation in the economy.”
Barry said he only gets reimbursement for events when he is asked to speak or deliver a proclamation.
Council member Art Secondo also took issue with the accusations.
“What the hell you bringing it up now for,” he said in response to Riccio’s comments.
“What secret thing,” he asked, referring to the provision in the town charter. “If he doesn’t know it’s his own fault.”
Secondo said his average reimbursement over 10 years is $12 per year. Barry said his average reimbursement over eight years was $29 per year.
During the standing room only budget meeting May 11, Riccio questioned a variety of council member expenses paid by the town. The expenses included meals and tuxedo rentals, but totaled only about $750 over multiple years.
