The Marblehead Select Board unanimously approved a new, three-year contract for Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer Wednesday night, but declined to release the amount of Kezer’s raise until both parties sign the employment agreement.
The board voted 5-0 to to approve the employment agreement following brief public discussion at Abbot Hall, though the contract won’t be ratified until it’s formally signed. Neither the board nor Kezer went into details about the agreement’s terms during the meeting.
The contract includes both cost-of-living adjustments and merit-based increases reflecting market conditions, though specific salary figures were not disclosed.
Kezer’s original contract provided $195,000 annually with scheduled increases matching other town employees’ raises, plus 25 vacation days, 15 sick days and a $5,000 yearly automobile allowance.
“We’re just really happy to have got (to this) point and that you’d like to stay,” Select Board Chair Erin Noonan told Kezer during the meeting. “It’s something that is mutually agreeable and reflective of COLA first year, as well as merit-based performance review and changes in market conditions.”
Noonan, who didn’t return requests Thursday morning for compensation details, had previously expressed openness to including formal performance review requirements in future agreements, noting that Kezer’s original 2022 contract lacked such provisions. It is unclear if the new one has one..
Board members praised Kezer’s strategic leadership during his first three years in office, highlighting his approach to municipal reorganization within existing financial constraints.
“You’re one of the reasons why we’re able to bring a level of sophistication and strategy around how to restructure the town without an override, making use of the resources that we have,” said Select Board member Moses Grader. “We’re super pleased to have you finish out your career with us.”
Select Board member Bret Murray, attending his final meeting before stepping down, thanked those involved in the contract negotiations, noting the extensive research into comparable positions and market conditions that informed the final terms.
Kezer, whose original three-year contract was set to expire June 5, expressed gratitude for the board’s support and collaboration.
“I can’t believe it’s been three years,” Kezer said. “I’m having fun doing this. One of the things I’m most proud of in the last few years is the team that we’ve built and the collaboration between the team working together.”
The town administrator specifically praised the Select Board’s unity during challenging periods, noting his initial concerns about transitioning from mayoral leadership to working with a five-member board had been resolved.
“What’s really important is having a really good board, being able to work with every member,” Kezer said. “It’s even more important when the wheels are falling off the wagon and all hell is breaking loose, and having a board that’s solid, that works with you.”
Kezer’s tenure has included significant accomplishments alongside ongoing challenges. Under his leadership, the town has modernized its financial systems with a $1.02 million technology upgrade, filled critical staff positions including the first human resources director, and secured multiple state grants.
However, Marblehead continues facing structural budget pressures with projections showing potential $14 million deficits by 2030 without intervention. Kezer recently concluded lengthy negotiations with three municipal unions after more than a year of talks, while also navigating a teachers’ strike in late 2024.
The town administrator came to Marblehead in June 2022 after serving as Amesbury mayor and Framingham chief operating officer. He inherited a municipal government with multiple vacant leadership positions and outdated administrative systems.
