Gardner Magazine has a complete analysis of this meeting with a “Deep Dive” from the Chair Man and Chair Lady who go over the meeting and explain Gardner’s strategic move to keep talent. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Non-Union Salaries Topic of 93 Minute City Council Meeting
The Gardner City Council met on August 18, 2025 for the purpose of discussing non-union salaries. Council President George Tyros recused himself from the proceedings as he has a family member who would be impacted. The Councilors elected Craig Cormer President Pro-Tem. The packet for the meeting is 774 pages on pdf, CLICK HERE. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
We also have a “Deep Dive” analysis of this meeting. Look under the graphic. During the meeting, the Mayor told the Councilors that Veterans Services Director Cory Hasselmann has accepted a position with the City of Leominster after being offered a $100,000 salary there. Councilors asked many questions about all aspects of the issue, with the Mayor answering questions for well over an hour. The Council will have to vote on the matter in the next month or so to avoid delaying the setting of the tax rate which is based on the City budget including approved supplemental spending.
The meeting ended with a motion by Councilor Brad Heglin to send to the Finance Committee for review and report. Motion was approved unanimously. The desired outcome is for the City Council to approve measures which make it easy to retain employees and hire new employees by paying competitive salaries. Once the City Council gets the report from the Finance Committee it is expected to act on the recommendations.