The proposed municipal budget for Barrington includes salary increases for union and non-union positions. 

The proposed salary increases include a 300 percent bump for members of the town council — the president's salary would increase from $1,000 to $3,000 while the other members' salaries would go from $500 to $2,500. 

Barrington Town Manager Jim Cunha said he tried to increase council members' salaries last year, but councilors opposed the increases. This year, the manager again proposed the raises.

"The council is very reluctant to do this," said Mr. Cunha. "But I have successfully convinced them this is the right thing to do."

Mr. Cunha said members of the Barrington Town Council are currently the lowest-paid councilors in the state. The increases would put the local officials "in the middle of the pack."

"We looked at a bunch of communities that are a similar size," Mr. Cunha said, adding that in addition to the monthly meetings, council members also serve as liaisons to other boards and commissions.

Meanwhile, Barrington Town Council members approved a 5.7 percent pay increase for Mr. Cunha on Feb. 4. 

Mr. Cunha said much consideration was given during the drafting of the budget, adding that he and department leaders worked hard to trim the budget where possible.

"I would say I'm not happy with the budget. I wish it was lower," said Mr. Cunha, emphasizing the need to provide the appropriate level of services for the community. 

"If the community wants a smaller budget, that's fine, but there are consequences."

Union contracts

The proposed budget details the status of labor contracts with local unions:

• Police: Signed a tentative three-year agreement with 2 percent annual salary increases and current health coverage.

• Fire: Signed a three-year agreement with a 2.5 percent annual salary increase and establishment of a health savings account (HSA).

• Dispatch — Tentative three-year agreement ready for signature with 2 percent annual salary increases and current health coverage.

• DPW — drafting tentative three-year agreement with a 2 percent annual salary increase and current health coverage.