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The stipend would have added an additional $18,000 to Marraccini's yearly salary of $164,000. The decision to grant him a monthly stipend was unanimously approved by the Town Board in executive session on Aug. 1. However, the town took back the stipend about a month later.
Mayor Ron Belmont said the stipend was initially granted because the police department has been without a captain for a long time, and Marraccini has had to fill the role himself. Despite putting in more hours, he does not receive overtime because he is in a management position.
"During the storm, he worked 24/7," Belmont said, adding that he would often be with the chief as late as 4 a.m. "He would put in 22 hour days, and he does not receive overtime."
Regardless of the long hours, Belmont said that upon further deliberation he felt the stipend "is not appropriate at this time." The Town Board decided to rescind the extra income.
"I honestly believe that rescinding that was the right thing to do for the board and the community," Marraccini said of the decision. He said he appreciates the support of the Town Board, which has treated him and his department with respect.
"Quite frankly, I know that we share the same beliefs. We believe in keeping peace in our community. We want to re-establish Harrison as the best community, not only to live in, but to raise our families in," he said. "And I know that each and every one of the board members shares in that, and for that I am truly appreciative because I'm raising my family here."
He said he is also appreciative of other department heads who also work hard, many of whom he works with every day.
"I work so hard because my men work so hard for me and this community," he said. "I could not do it, not only without the support of the board, but without the support of the men and women of the Harrison Police Department that work for all of us in this community."
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