Watch CBS News

State Official Recommends Town Revoke Costly Union Contracts

METHUEN (AP) — Massachusetts' inspector general says Methuen officials should rescind costly police contracts that could lead to layoffs.

Inspector General Glenn Cunha said Friday that former Mayor Stephen Zanni and the City Council may have violated state and local regulations and breached their fiduciary duty to taxpayers when they reached union contracts with police officers starting in 2017.

Chief Joseph Solomon
Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon (WBZ-TV)

Cunha's office says the original contract paid some captains more than $400,000 a year while the second one "far exceeded" the department's budget even though it lowered some of the pay raises.

More than half the city's police force has received layoff notices, and officials warn more could be coming.

Mayor James Jajuga says his office is reviewing the findings. The City Council is considering a resolution to restore the police budget Monday.

(© Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.