Prov Firefighter Earns Over $200K, Mayoral Candidates Speak Out
Kate Nagle, GoLocal Contributor
Prov Firefighter Earns Over $200K, Mayoral Candidates Speak Out
According to GoLocal's review, Vincent D'Ambra earned $218,145.27, with $116,356.94 coming in overtime payments alone to D'Ambra in fiscal year 2013. He was not the only city employee receiving salaries and benefits over $150,000. City records showed that last year, twenty three firefighters and four police officers earned almost as much, if not more in longevity, detail, and overtime than they did in their regular base pay.
See Providence Employees with the Highest Salaries BELOW
GoLocal spoke with 2014 Providence Mayoral candidates for their perspective city salaries, and their views on municipal compensation levels -- and overtime.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"The overtime pay has to be looked at -- it is not only a matter of pay but hours worked (and stress)," said Republican candidate Dr. Daniel Harrop. "Having been referred, over the years, an extraordinary number of firemen from Providence seeking disability because of psychiatric issues (mainly post-traumatic stress disorder) I have first-hand experience that this is not only ruining the city budget (in your report, one fireman got nearly twice the base pay in overtime) but ruining their health -- this is clearly an issue that needs to be addressed by the mayor and public safety director."
Harrop continued, "The whole payroll needs to be looked at. I have made a campaign pledge that, as Mayor, I would NEVER raise city taxes (we already have the highest commercial tax rates in the country two years running, as GoLocal has nicely documented) -- how do we do that? -- one of the principal areas to cut is the payroll and especially the overtime."
Looking at Providence Pay Levels
Democratic contender Lorne Adrain, who is the former chair of the R.I. Board of Governors for Higher Education and currently managing director at Ballentine Partners, a wealth management firm, said that if elected, he would conduct a "comprehensive review of staffing" in the city.
"One of the most important jobs of any Mayor is to ensure taxpayers receive fair value for their hard-earned dollars. This involves more than just making sure people are being paid the right amount, no more and no less than they deserve. It also means you have the right number of people with the right skills doing the right jobs," said Adrain.
"We need a comprehensive staffing review of City government. The world of work has changed immeasurably in recent years. The taxpayers of Providence deserve to have a city workforce that is in line with the times. As Mayor I will lead a comprehensive review of staffing - looking at salaries, work assignments, and maximizing flexibility to ensure residents have a high performing city government. I want Providence to be a great place to live and do business, it must have a high value, responsive, innovative government, not one bound by the systems and standards of the past," continued Adrain.
Addressing the overtime issue, Adrain said, "Overtime can be either a smart and efficient tool in managing the city or it can be a waste of taxpayer dollars. Managers should be evaluated on cost-effectiveness of their departments. This includes controlling expenses like overtime and measuring the quality of service their team delivers."
Brett Smiley, the founder and owner of the development, election compliance and advocacy business CFO Consulting and Democratic Mayoral candidate, said that he would as well look at the city's payrolls should he take office.
"I will conduct a comprehensive review of the city salaries to ensure taxpayer funds are being well spent. I have the deepest gratitude for those who serve the city in any capacity, and I also recognize that improving our economy requires a close examination of our spending. I have experience building and growing a business, and I know how to ensure that we are spending money most efficiently while also guaranteeing everyone a fair wage. Special emphasis will be placed on examining overtime costs with the goal of putting in place a more cost-effective approach," said Smiley.
Compensating Top Talent?
Harrop, who took issue with overtime costs, commented on the base compensation levels. "The salaries are acceptable. They appear in line with similar cities."
Mayor Angel Taveras ranked #152 on the payroll, with a base salary of $112,500 and a total compensation of $131,025 last year.
City Employees with the Highest Salaries
#40 Alyssa B. Deandrade
Department: Police
Position: Police Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $146,690.77
Pay
Base: $77,210.61
Longevity: $7,393.16
Overtime: $22,337.05
Detail: $24,533.14
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $4,219.62
Dental: $421.72
Pension: $10,575.47
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#39 Arianne Lynch
Department: Mayor's Staff
Position: (Former) Deputy Chief Of Staff
Total Compensation: $147,159.76
Pay
Base: $127,507.25
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $5,737.83
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#38 Clarence A. Cunha
Department: Fire
Position: Acting Deputy Assistant Chief
Total Compensation: $147,372.06
Pay
Base: $91,807.36
Longevity: $7,949.52
Overtime: $18,839.30
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $12,686.83
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#37 Kristopher S. Wright
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $147,585.09
Pay
Base: $58,663.74
Longevity: $4,447.53
Overtime: $48,507.28
Detail: $11,848.81
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,028.67
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#36 Thomas M. Miller
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $147,951.99
Pay
Base: $64,547.59
Longevity: $6,476.44
Overtime: $51,832.96
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,005.94
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#35 Daniel Crowley
Department: Fire
Position: Deputy Assistant Fire Chief
Total Compensation: $148,230.56
Pay
Base: $93,692.88
Longevity: $9,855.21
Overtime: $17,904.62
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.6
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $12,943.51
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#34 Alan N. Lippacher
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $148,783.985
Pay
Base: $63,829.18
Longevity: $6,602.73
Overtime: $53,326.52
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,936.495
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#33 David A. Soscia
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Battalion Chief
Total Compensation: $149,017.14
Pay
Base: $86,012.90
Longevity: $7,577.69
Overtime: $27,426.18
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $11,911.31
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#32 Michael Krasnowiecki
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Captain
Total Compensation: $149,110.485
Pay
Base: $68,849.54
Longevity: $6,762.06
Overtime: $47,784.88
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,624.945
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#31 Thomas E. Crowley
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Captain
Total Compensation: $149,965.63
Pay
Base: $69,535.07
Longevity: $7,177.86
Overtime: $47,429.98
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,733.66
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#30 John P. Morgan
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $150,207.15
Pay
Base: $58,102.50
Longevity: $6,116.69
Overtime: $57,905.69
Detail: $3,847.12
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,146.09
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#29 Timothy S. Printer
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $150,731.68
Pay
Base: $58,369.52
Longevity: $6,115.36
Overtime: $61,938.32
Detail: $3,847.12
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,219.42
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#28 Adam Chuman
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $151,066.51
Pay
Base: $58,490.27
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $61,915.02
Detail: $7,149.18
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $7,422.98
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#27 Michael E. Correia
Department: Police
Position: Police Captain
Total Compensation: $151,421.89
Pay
Base: $81,206.12
Longevity: $8,538.4
Overtime: $36,811.50
Detail: $1,264.85
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $11,083.47
Dental: $1,299.48
Pension: $11,218.06
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#26 Stephany Blackwell
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Technician
Total Compensation: $154,001.24
Pay
Base: $61,045
Longevity: $4,086.68
Overtime: $64,492.87
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,287.63
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#25 David J. Duggan
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $154,416.91
Pay
Base: $59,196.60
Longevity: $5,559.42
Overtime: $55,445.58
Detail: $9,910.95
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,215.30
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#24 Joseph R. Desmarais
Department: Fire
Position: Deputy Assistant Fire Chief
Total Compensation: $154,544.52
Pay
Base: $91,623.12
Longevity: $9,079.63
Overtime: $27,402.94
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $12,604.49
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#23 William R. Kenyon
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Battalion Chief
Total Compensation: $154,611.78
Pay
Base: $83,959.36
Longevity: $7,290.02
Overtime: $35,718.41
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $11,554.93
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#22 Bryan D. Hawkins
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Captain
Total Compensation: $155,608.63
Pay
Base: $69,542.14
Longevity: $6,601.81
Overtime: $41,215.01
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $27,303.36
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,646.56
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#21 Steven Pare
Department: Administration
Position: Public Safety Commmissioner
Total Compensation: $156,147.90
Pay
Base: $149,423.83
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: N/A
Dental: N/A
Pension: $6,724.07
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#20 Eric E. Fallon
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $156,404.55
Pay
Base: $55,236.24
Longevity: $5,829.36
Overtime: $63,076.02
Detail: $8,430.13
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $7,743.74
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#19 Brian R. Chin
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $157,360.51
Pay
Base: $58,983.30
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $84,865.12
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $5,618.60
Dental: $421.46
Pension: $7,472.03
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#18 Carl H. Richards
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $157,878.05
Pay
Base: $57,446.04
Longevity: $6,115.36
Overtime: $64,351.37
Detail: $5,808.93
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,067.295
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#17 Fausto G. Garcia
Department: Police
Position: Police Officer
Total Compensation: $158,048.96
Pay
Base: $57,220.64
Longevity: $5,477.53
Overtime: $4,296.80
Detail: $70,833.77
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $11,083.47
Dental: $1,299.48
Pension: $7,837.27
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#16 Thomas L. Cassin
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Captain
Total Compensation: $158,104.17
Pay
Base: $68,755.40
Longevity: $7,305.32
Overtime: $56,308.60
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,645.80
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
Photo: Flick/401(K)2013
#15 Thomas F. Oates, III
Department: Police
Position: Deputy Police Chief
Total Compensation: $158,736.47
Pay
Base: $116,423.81
Longevity: $12,378.08
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $16,100.24
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#14 Michael L. Pearis
Department: Finance Administration
Position: Director of Finance
Total Compensation: $159,370.71
Pay
Base: $139,192.37
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $6,263.66
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#13 Peter A. Tagliaferri
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $159,656.86
Pay
Base: $63,350.24
Longevity: $4,877.01
Overtime: $66,683.79
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,656.76
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#12 Michael A. Legault
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $159,740.28
Pay
Base: $57,446.04
Longevity: $6,115.36
Overtime: $72,016.89
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,072.93
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#11 Gregory D. Paolo
Department: Police
Position: Police Sergeant
Total Compensation: $160,715.32
Pay
Base: $70,277.64
Longevity: $6,818.24
Overtime: $30,025.64
Detail: $31,573.87
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $11,083.47
Dental: $1,299.48
Pension: $9,636.985
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#10 Andre' M. Ferro
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $162,109.81
Pay
Base: $58,333.41
Longevity: $6,251.76
Overtime: $61,589.16
Detail: $11,668.47
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1299.74
Pension: $8,177.95
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#9 James P. Mirza
Department: Fire
Position: Deputy Assistant Fire Chief
Total Compensation: $164,737.13
Pay
Base: $91,623.12
Longevity: $9,722.85
Overtime: $36,888.57
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1299.74
Pension: $12,668.24
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
Photo: Flickr/Tax Credits
#8 J. J. Varone
Department: Fire
Position: Acting Fire Battalion Chief
Total Compensation: $165,600.53
Pay
Base: $84,914.32
Longevity: $7,290.02
Overtime: $45,628.29
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1299.74
Pension: $11,678.85
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#7 James S. Bennett
Department: Planning & Development
Position: Director of Economic Development
Total Compensation: $170,061.83
Pay
Base: $149,423.11
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $6,724.04
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#6 Zachariah Kenyon
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $172,514.51
Pay
Base: $63,589.71
Longevity: $4,877.01
Overtime: $79,272.01
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,686.72
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
Photo: Flickr/401(K) 2013
#5 Boyce Spinelli
Department: Water Supply Board
Position: General Manager, WSB
Total Compensation: $177,418.15
Pay
Base: $150,392.56
Longevity: $9,299.47
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $9,159.90
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $7,186.14
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#4 Hugh T. Clements, Jr.
Department: Police
Position: Police Chief
Total Compensation: $180,872.02
Pay
Base: $134,397.90
Longevity: $14,080.04
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $18,559.74
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#3 Luis F. Sanlucas
Department: Police
Position: Police Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $190,234.68
Pay
Base: $77,210.61
Longevity: $8,148.40
Overtime: $9,003.18
Detail: $72,819.67
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $11,083.47
Dental: $1,299.48
Pension: $10,669.88
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#2 Michael D'Amico
Department: Mayor Staff
Position: Director of Administration
Total Compensation: $196,086.60
Pay
Base: $174,327.20
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $7,844.724
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#1 Vincent J. D'Ambra
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Captain
Total Compensation: $218,145.27
Pay
Base: $68,762.44
Longevity: $7,290.03
Overtime: $116,356.94
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,646.80
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
