Kale's First Day, Pay Set at $155K

Like any new employee, David Kale spent his first morning getting to know his way around the place.

And that place is Belmont Town Hall as the community's new Town Administrator met with department heads and employees in Town Hall and the Homer Building on Monday, Aug. 20.

"It's been a great day," said Kale of the first half-day of his new role leading the day-to-day operation of town departments.

"People have been very welcoming and positive and I'm trying to acclimate to the surroundings," said Kale, accompanied by Assistant Town Administrator Kelli Hebert.

to become Town Administrator in June.

Just after lunch, Belmont Town Clerk Ellen Cushman swore in Kale at the Clerk's Office making his appointment official.

Details of Kale's contract – made public Monday – revealed that the former Cambridge budget official will make $155,000 annually for fiscal 2013 that began July 1. He will also receive $150 a month in an auto allowance.

Thomas Younger, the last Town Administrator, made $145,000 when he left in October of last year. In March, Swampscott's Board of Selectmen selected Younger as its town administrator.

Kale's contract runs for three years with an annual review by the Board of Selectmen at which time any pay increase will be determined.