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RTM Debates, OK’s Police Chief Raise

In 2011, Branford Police Chief Kevin Halloran was hired at a salary of approximately $97,000. With a final vote from town leaders, beginning in fiscal 2016-17, he will receive a 17 percent pay raise to better align with the average paid to chiefs in similar towns across the state.

On Feb. 10, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) approved the increase, which will be phased in – albeit at a rapid rate – for a new contract that runs through June 30, 2020. Halloran has not had a new contract since 2014. The new contract supports a raise from his current salary of $106,000 to $125,000.

The RTM vote was passed 19-7 with one RTM member, Ed Prete (R, District 6) recusing himself.

A handful of RTM members raised reasons why they would be voting for or against the pay raise.

“The important thing for us all to remember is that he took it as sort of a ‘prove-it’ contract,” said RTM member Doug Hanlon (D, District 3), on the way to voting in support of Halloran’s pay raise. “It was ($10,000) less than what the chief was making prior to that. And he has proved it. In the last four years, he has proven to be one of the most innovative and successful police chiefs, and it would be foolhardy for us not to give him money comparable to surrounding towns.”

Halloran was promoted to Branford Police Chief from captain in Aug. 2011 to begin duties on Sept. 1, 2011. He replaced retired Police Chief John DeCarlo. A Branford resident who grew up in North Branford, Halloran joined Branford Police Dept. as an officer 27 years ago. During his rise through the ranks, among many contributions to the force, he was instrumental in developing data-driven ComStat (Comparative Statistics) as part of Branford’s policing efforts.

Saying he didn’t question Halloran’s skills or qualifications, RTM member Marc Riccio (R, District 6) explained why he wouldn’t vote to approve Halloran’s pay raise.

“I am concerned that it will set a precedent with other department heads,” said Riccio, noting he’s “fought against raises” over the last six years. “If I approve this number, I think many people would be questioning my logic and my judgment. It has nothing to do with the skill set and qualifications of the Chief; it’s kind of a personal philosophy. I think we need to keep salaries intact. I don’t know anyone in the private sector that is getting a 17 percent increase over four years.”