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October 11, 2007

Contract clash

It is a shame that filling the position of Dracut Housing Authority executive director appears destined for controversy from start to finish.

The DHA Commission has been bitterly divided in recent months, with complaints of an unfair screening process, seizure of authority, court filings and an illegal meeting.

Eventually there was a last-minute, surprise addition to the list of finalists, Dracut resident Mary Karabatsos, who -- to no one's surprise -- was appointed to the position by a 3-2 vote.

But now it appears there is difficulty in negotiating an employment contract. Commission Chairman Kenneth Martin and Karabatsos are reportedly struggling to come to terms. This shouldn't come as a shocker given the recent history of this board and this post.

However, what is rather stunning is that Karabatsos is apparently seeking an annual salary of about $70,000 along with another $4,500 to pay for educational courses related to her job and five weeks of vacation. She is also pushing for a three-year contract that includes an annual 3 percent pay raise.
Let's keep in mind that the job posting listed a salary of $60,000 to $65,000 a year. Former executive director Joe Tully Jr. was earning $62,000 a year, after 21 years of services, when he retired.

We realize that Karabatsos has 24 years of experience with the Lowell Housing Authority, but she has never been an executive director. She currently earns $63,000 annually as the LHA's family self-sufficiency director. According to the state Department of Housing and Community Development's salary schedule for new directors, Dracut's new director should earn only $57,812.

There are significant differences between the Lowell Housing Authority and the Dracut Housing Authority. The LHA is responsible for more than 1,500 units in eight developments, along with various units scattered throughout the city. Dracut Housing Authority has a total of 284 units. Plus, Lowell's population is much more diverse and challenging than Dracut's population.

Common sense tells us the Dracut post should pay considerably less than the Lowell job, which it does. Karabatsos is certainly within her rights to request a higher salary, but that doesn't mean she should receive it.

According to state guidelines, one-year contracts are extended to newly hired executive directors, not three-year deals. That makes sense. Karabatsos is untried in the more challenging position. In a year, after Dracut commissioners have been able to review her performance, she will qualify for a contract with a longer term.

Let's hope the two sides can find a compromise. Karabatsos' appointment is already tainted by controversy. A protracted contract battle isn't going to help.

Posted by Admin at October 11, 2007 4:13 PM