Published in the February 27, 2017 edition.

By BOB BURGESS

WAKEFIELD — No one among the top 50 paid municipal employees made less than $120,000 last year.

As is the case in any community, more police were among the town’s top paid public servants than any other department in 2016. Twenty members of the Police Department made the top 50 list, while 17 members of the Municipal Gas and Light Department earned top spots. They were followed by five firefighters, four School Department employees, one DPW administrator and three other department heads, including Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio.

The information in this report is supplied by Town Hall and is based on an employee’s W-2 earnings, which the Daily Item does not have access to.

Just about all employees received two 1 1/2 percent cost of living increases in 2016, one effective January 1 and the other July 1.

Police have the benefit of working overtime and performing private details, which further boost their pay.

In 2016, Lt. Steven Skory was the town’s top wage earner, making a total of $193,895. He was paid $162,407 in base salary, Quinn Bill incentives, overtime and any additional stipends he enjoys. He also earned $31,487 in detail pay.

Police Chief Richard Smith, the second-highest earner in 2016, made $189,620. He does not work details.

The Municipal Gas and Light Department  General Manager Peter Dion earned $185,191 in 2016.

Rounding out the top 10 were schools Supt. Dr. Kimberly Smith at $169,680; police Detective John Ryan at $169,610; Detective Chris Grace at $159,003; police Sgt. Geoffrey Ericksen at $158,670; Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio at $157,500; Capt. Randy Hudson at $155,045 and Lt. Scott Reboulet at $154,323.

Wakefield Memorial High Principal Richard Metropolis was 50th on the list of the top paid town employees in 2016. He made $120,089.

On the chart that accompanies this report, an employee’s gross pay includes all stipends he enjoys, any contractural remuneration, any overtime pay and any money made working private details.

The fact Wakefield is involved in the state’s lucrative Quinn Bill designed to reward police for furthering their law enforcement education helps members of the local department earn their way onto the top 50 paid town employees every year.

Some younger department members receive less from the Quinn Bill than older ones due to collective bargaining agreements.

The ones who qualify for the biggest Quinn Bill benefits get 25 percent of their base pay added to their compensation each pay week if they have a master’s degree; 20 percent if they have a bachelor’s degree, and 10 percent extra if they have an associate’s degree.

Certain officers also get extra compensation for working night shifts, weekends and holidays.

All firefighters receive a small amount of money for working at night; some also work private details.