Worcester City Payroll up 6.3% to $565 Million in 2024

WORCESTER – The City of Worcester released wages earned data for each city employee this week, showing the city paid 8,162 employees over $565 million in 2024.

The 8,162 employees represent an increase of 146  city workers compared to 2023, an increase of 1.8 percent.

The $565,780,334 in total payroll paid represents a 6.3 percent increase over 2023.

City Manager Eric Batista earned the highest total compensation in the city government, earning $332,289 in 2024, a 5.6 percent increase from 2023.

Two individuals, City Manager Eric Batista and Worcester Police Captain Matthew D’Andrea, earned over $300,000. In 2023, only Batista earned over $300,000.

In 2024, 98 individuals earned over $200,00, a 42 percent increase from 2023, when 69 city employees earned over $200,000.

Of the top 10 earners in city government, just two, Batista and Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools Rachael Monarrez, are outside the police department. Monarrez earned $287,434 in 2024, a decrease of 2.4 percent from $294,402 in 2023. Monarrez’s regular compensation remained the same as it was in 2023, but wages from the “other” category decreased.

Chief of Police Paul Saucier earned $272,714, the 11th highest in the city in 2024.

Worcester Police Department

(Editor’s Note: The calculations for total wages in each department, below, are based on the name of the department being included in the job title. The release from the city does not include a field for department.)

At the Worcester Police Department, 485 individuals received wages in 2024, up just 4 from 481 in 2024, an increase of 0.83 percent. The $68.8 million in wages paid in 2024  compared to $65.7 million in 2023 is a 4.7 percent increase. These figures include all compensation, including overtime, private detail assignments, and retroactive payments.

Of the top 10 highest earners in the city, eight work at the Worcester Police Departmen. They include one deputy chief, four captains, and three lieutenants. Their total compensation ranges from $274,364 to $300,477.

Of the 98 city workers that earned over $200,000 in 2024, 86 are Worcester Police Department employees. Of the city’s top 100 wage earners, 88 are at the police department.

Worcester Police Department employees earned $68.8 million in 2024, including $45.4 million (83.1%) for regular pay, $14.2 million (20.6%) for private details, and $4.8 million (7%) overtime. Sixteen earned no detail or overtime pay, with their total compensation ranging from $2,193 to $15,132.

Officer Joeseph Vigliotti, the 15th highest wage earner in the city in 2024, earned the detail amount of detail pay in 2024, at $136,230, which accounts for 51.3 percent of his total income. Vigliotti’s regular pay is $106,340. He earned $265,333 in total compensation in 2024.

Twenty-seven police department employees earned over $100,000 in detail pay, while 13 earned more than 50 percent of their total compensation from detail pay and 48 earned more than 40 percent from detail pay. Officer James Ciru earned the highest percentage of total compensation from detail pay, with $132,120 being  54.9 percent of his total earnings of $240,469 in 2024.

Sergeant Justin Bennes earned the most overtime pay in 2024, $68,548, or 35 percent of his total wages of $236,504. Only Officer John Denio earned a higher percentage of compensation from overtime, earning $68,548 from overtime, 36.3 percent of his total compensation.

Overtime and detail pay combined for over 50 percent of total compensation for 23 department employees.

Worcester Fire Department

In 2024, 461 Worcester Fire Department employees received wages from the city, up 2.4 percent from 2024. The $50.4 million in wages paid to fire department employees in 2024 represents an increase of 8.1 percent from 46.6 million in 2023.

Fire department employees earned 82.9 percent of their wages as regular pay.

Fire department employees earned a combined $310,720 (0.62%) in detail pay and $4.8 million (9.6%) for working overtime. Eight members of the fire department earned over $200,000 in 2024.

Fire Chief Martin Dyer earned the highest wages at the fire department, with $261,008 19th highest within the city government in 2024.

Fire Lieutenant Daniel Generelli earned $,106,601 in overtime pay in 2024, or 47.1 percent of his total compensation of $226,306. The next highest, John King, earned over $42,000 less than Generelli.

Worcester Public Schools

The Worcester Public Schools compensated 5,797 employees in 2024, up 0.92 percent from 2023. Total compensation paid to school employees rose 6.5 percent in 2024, to $367,7 million from $345.4 million in 2023. Five employees earned over $200,000 in 2024.

Of the $367.7 million earned, 92.6 percent was regular pay. Worcester schools paid 757 employees $3.5 million (0.96%) in overtime pay and 1,099 employees 1.9 million (0.52%) for working after-school programs. The 190 employees compensated as coaches in Worcester schools earned a combined $714,118.

Worcester Public Schools compensated 2,627 teachers and instructors, including substitute and per diem teachers, in 2024, combining for $214.3 million, or 58.3 percent of the total wages paid.

Proving accurate calculations for employees in other departments is not possible, as the titles of those positions do not clearly indicate the department they are within.

See the table below to see how payroll has expanded in multiple departments in Worcester’s city government.

See the full list of wages earned by city employees in 2024 below. If using a desktop or tablet, all columns are sortable and the full table is searchable.

Police Working Hours, Honorary Street Names, and Open Meeting Law

Deep down, I always wanted to be Jimmy Olsen, not Superman. Jimmy was the eternally optimistic reporter who was the best friend of the most powerful man. He reported terrible things with the hope of someone who knows a hero.

I think the people of Worcester, are in fact, heroes. They just need a little push. Is the City Council boring? Sure, but not if you pay attention.

In this new series, I will focus on my three takeaways from the previous city council meeting. No meeting, no article. Got it?

Police Hours Worked and Fatigue

Item 10b. Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with an update concerning police overtime and paid details. Said report should identify challenges and potential solutions to address the needs of the department. (Toomey)

Councilor Kate Toomey, the sponsor of this item, serves as chair of the City Council Public Safety Committee, which has jurisdiction over matters related to the police.

This item is timely, as the city released the 2024 wages of municipal employees this week. The vast majority of the 200k+ earners were police officers.

This week, a Worcester Telegram and Gazette article covered the interest of the Human Rights Commission’s in total hours worked by police in the city. This item seems a coordinated response to nip the HRC’s flank.

Evidence that people who work over 80 hours in a week have a huge performance drop off. That level of fatigue has a significant effect on decision-making ability. For example, this Stanford Study compares other studies done over 100 years and concludes workers experience a massive cognitive drop-off at 56 hours worked in a week, regardless of industry.

How does this connect to the police overtime?

Current city policy allows police officers  to work up to 96 hours in a week, including overtime and private detail assignments..

This is utterly nonsensical. If you are a police officer reading this, you know you cannot be the best officer you can be at hour 95 in a week. You just cannot. Worcester has one
of the highest limits in the state and country.

Long hours for police are a radically dangerous public safety hazard. Basically, if you are for these long hours, you are against both police officers and public safety. There is no other conclusion.

This item was sent to the City Manager.

Honorary Street Names

Item 18c. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Order of Councilor George J. Russell – Request Standing Committee on Public Works hold a meeting to draft a policy relative to the creation of “Honorary Street Names.” Said policy should include, but not be limited to: 1) what or who should be eligible for honorary street names; 2) whether the policy should be limited to Worcester residents/past Worcester residents; 3) whether business names should be included; 4) causes that would justify passage of an honorary street name title; and 5) whether passage should be limited to a certain number of years, decades or centuries that the entity gained notoriety. Further, request City Manager request City Solicitor and Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide guidance and recommendations of best practices used in other Municipalities, at said meeting to aid the Committee in drafting the Honorary Street policy: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

This item led to an interesting exchange.

I was involved a bit in supporting Daniel Gaskin Way, an honorary street name change to a part of Salisbury Street, in honor of a lovely man, Dan Gaskin, who passed away very young in November 2023. He left a legacy of building peace and a fierce love for his family. I was happy to support his widow, Jennifer Gaskin, herself an advocate for culture and diversity throughout Worcester, as she navigated the difficult waters of the process.

Frankly, the reason it went through was because one councilor said, “I don’t know him,” when the petition was first introduced in council.

This of course led to many calling it both insensitive, and indicative of the current council majority’s disconnect from the community of color in Worcester. If you knew the community, even at a basic level, you would have known about Dan. The change went through, but then apparently in response to a ‘wave’ (Councilor Russell) of public questions about honorary street name changes, the Committee on Public Works had a series of meetings to craft the new ordinance language you see above.

This item has to be advertised publicly, and then the new ordinance will be local law. Now there is an even less clear process than the one Jen went through last year.

The amount of time that the council has put to this is immense compared to other seemingly more pressing communities needs, like independent oversight, but I digress.

The interesting exchange was between Councilors King, Bergman and Russell. Councilor King had held the item and was now asking it to be sent to the new City Solicitor Alexandra Kalkounis, who was not a part of the process for the above item and related meetings. Former Solicitor Mike Traynor led that process. Councilor Russell objected to this, and Councilor King’s subsequent amendment to restore the old version’s language. He made the interesting point that this would have prevented the naming of Martin Luther King Boulevard, as the new ordinances requires the name be that of a resident.

Councilor Bergman responded that it wouldn’t prevent that, because Martin Luther King Boulevard is a full street not an honorary street.

A weird battle, but one that amplifies the clear division on the council.

Councilor King’s amendment was defeated, and the item was voted through to be advertised before
becoming law. The three Councilors expressed clear frustration with each other.

Open Meeting Law Complaint

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication related to an open meeting law complaint against the Education Committee.

Okay, so if you haven’t followed this, you are missing the fun of Worcester politics.

A few weeks back, Councilor King announced his run for mayor. The Tuesday prior, two city residents filed Open Meeting Law complaints. One was against the Education Committee in response to a press release its members, King, Haxhiaj, and Nguyen. They put out supporting an LGBTQ+ item that was before the School Committee.

This press release was apparently handled by email, and the resident, local politics pontificator Steve Quist, took issue with that because the Education Committee
did not meet in person or online before releasing the statement.

Mayor Petty went on the attack, and put the issue to the Law Department. The Attorney General of Massachusetts was involved, in what is, frankly a waste of time. Should they
have met? Probably, but Mayor Petty, who regularly hosts a ton of councilors in his office, not to mention the quasi-public EDCC, calling this illegal is pretty strong.

Councilor Haxhiaj, chair of the committee in question, asked for the item to come back to them to hold a hearing to respond to the public complaints. City Solicitor Kalkounis has already responded as authoritzed by the council previously.

Instead the item was sent to a joint meeting of Municipal Operations and the Education Committees. This sets up a battle between committee chairs, who have to agree to a
hearing. Here’s hoping they don’t.

An open waste of our taxpayer dollars, and a show of force by Mayor Petty, who often reminds us, you need six votes to lead in Worcester. Apparently leadership is to punish people via wonky City Council nonsense. Yet here we are!

I hope you enjoyed my inaugural journey. I hope these will educate you about the nuance of the city government, without being too boring. Our city government is broken and in need of reform.

Consider coming to join me on Tuesday nights as I think things in the Esther Howland room at city hall.

Spencer Woman Charged for $41,000 in Social Security Fraud

WORCESTER – A local woman faces a federal charge, filed March 17, for fraudulently obtaining Social Security benefits.

According to allegations by federal prosecutors, from Feb. 2006 to May 2021, Gina Llerena-Donohue, 62, of Spencer, obtained $41,954 in Social Security benefits for a beneficiary she held a power of attorney for. That beneficiary died in 2006. Prosecutors also alleged that Llerena-Donohue did not report the death to either the Social Security Administration or the bank where the benefits deposited.

Llerena-Donohue accessed the benefits through cash withdrawals at the counter of the bank. In 2018 and 2019, Llerena-Donohue allegedly signed affidavits which stated that the power of attorney remained in effect, as it had not been terminated by the death of the beneficiary.

The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.

Llerena-Donohue will face arraignment in federal court in Worcester at a later date, according to prosecutors.

 
Editor’s note: The information provided in this report is based on events as described by the U.S. Department of Justice. The claims within are allegations which may be challenged by the accused in court.

MassDOT Announces Results of Testing Drones for Medical Delivery

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Aeronautics Division announced reported on Monday, March 17, that three companies successfully conducted tests using uncrewed aircraft systems (drones) for small package delivery in 2024.

The tests, which took place in August and October 2024, carried simulated payloads of under 10 pounds for at least one mile. The drone flights sought to assess using drones in the future for home-based healthcare and emergency medical response in the future.

MassDOT Aeronautics currently uses drones for transportation safety, infrastructure inspection, and incident response for MassDOT, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

“This medical delivery demonstration underscores the value of drones for many operational needs,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Drones have already proven useful in operations, including MBTA track corridor inspections, MassDOT Highway bridge inspections, overhead project evaluations, and other needs. We continue to assess the use of drones for other purposes in the future.”

5 Ways to Pay for Services Using Crypto in Massachusetts

With technological advancements on the rise, it should come as no surprise that digital currency is now more commonly used globally. For example, many more stores and online platforms have begun catering to individuals who choose to pay using cryptocurrencies. In simple terms, crypto is essentially just digital money, with more people showing interest in spending it in their day-to-day lives. 

However, while this payment method may not be widely accepted, Massachusetts has begun exploring the acceptance of cryptocurrency as payment for goods and services. This is a notable advancement, as it signifies a shift in the use of crypto, moving away from being a tool of investment to an actual usable currency.

As it stands, there is already an array of online retailers that accept cryptocurrencies as a payment method. Albeit only the mainstream ones such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, this is still a step in the right direction, which allows for Massachusetts residents to more conveniently spend their hard-earned money. These retailers include options such as Shopify and Overstock, and expand to other e-commerce platforms, including Microsoft and eGifter. 

Then there are gambling platforms that provide options like online slots, sports betting, and casinos, that enable punters to spend their crypto on some of the best casino promotions out there. With an array of payment methods to choose from, residents can pay using their crypto wallets—using crypto to access great benefits like instant payouts and a more private experience. 

For Massachusetts residents who prefer physical stores, keeping an eye out for a “Bitcoin Accepted Here” sign can prove beneficial. On that note, there is an upward trend in local businesses that accept some form of cryptocurrency. While it is more likely for tech companies and legal services to accept this form of payment, some culinary businesses have leaned into the trend. For example, The Mad Monkfish in Central Square and Shanti Indian Cuisine in Dorchester accept cryptocurrencies as a payment method. 

Not only does this benefit these businesses by attracting new customers, but it also offers lower transaction fees and a head start on implementing blockchain technologies. It can be tricky to find businesses that accept crypto, but exploring online directories or directly asking around can help in this regard.

Cryptocurrency payments are common among freelancers, offering a safe and efficient way to pay for peer-to-peer services. Usually, crypto can be offered as payment for work ranging from graphic design to content creation services, with platforms that cater specifically to professionals who use this currency. Some mainstream platforms include Upwork, Blocklancer, and CryptoJobs, which facilitates freelance projects and coordinates payment. 

This is beneficial for Massachusetts freelancers, as it means faster transactions and anonymity, and for employers, as it means lower fees and an opportunity to source candidates internationally. Now, with freelancing on the rise, it makes sense to have a payment method that benefits both parties.

For Massachusetts residents who would like a more convenient way to pay their bills and utilities with crypto, there are a surprising number of ways to do this. For one, multiple companies allow for these payments to be made online, and platforms such as BitPay and Bitrefill allow residents to do so easily. 

With the latter, crypto is converted to US dollars and then used to pay the relevant bill, whereas BitPay organizes bills and connects them directly to a crypto wallet. Residents can even use crypto debit cards, which also convert the currency to cash and can be used anywhere a normal debit card is accepted.

Lastly, for Massachusetts residents who want to make a change, there is an array of local charities and other crowdfunding organizations that accept crypto donations. For example, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, an organization that provides local housing and food assistance post-COVID-19, accepts cryptocurrencies, however, they are eligible for tax deductions. Another example is Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), an organization that set out to end homelessness and also accepts crypto donations.

How iPhone Spy Apps Can Help Catch a Cheating Spouse

Let’s be real—no one wants to suspect their partner of cheating. But sometimes, the gut feeling is too strong to ignore. According to a study by the Institute for Family Studies, around 20% of married individuals admit to being unfaithful at some point. That’s a tough pill to swallow, but it also explains why so many people turn to technology for answers.

If you’ve noticed your partner being secretive with their phone, constantly deleting messages, or suddenly needing a “work trip” every other weekend, it’s natural to want to dig deeper. That’s where iPhone spy apps come in. These apps have become a tool for those who need concrete proof before making life-changing decisions.

Understanding iPhone Spy Apps for a Cheating Spouse

Spy apps for iPhones work by running discreetly in the background, giving you access to things like call logs, GPS location, and even social media activity. Some apps can even recover deleted messages, which is handy if your partner suddenly turns into a clean-up expert whenever you walk into the room.

One of the most common features is GPS tracking. Let’s say your spouse claims to be working late, but their location history shows them parked outside a bar across town—something’s not adding up. Message monitoring is another big one since many affairs start through texts, WhatsApp, or even dating apps.

It’s important to mention that while these tools can be useful, they should always be used legally. In many places, spying on someone’s phone without their consent is against the law. So, if you’re considering using iPhone spy apps for a cheating spouse, make sure you’re aware of the legal side of things. That said, when used responsibly, spy apps can provide valuable insights and benefits, as we are about to see.

Benefits of Using iPhone Spy Apps to Catch a Cheating Spouse

If your gut is telling you something’s off, an iPhone spy app can provide clarity. Here’s why people turn to these tools:

1. Peace of Mind

Constantly wondering if your partner is cheating is exhausting. Knowing the truth—whether good or bad—helps you move forward instead of being stuck in uncertainty.

2. Evidence Collection

If infidelity leads to divorce, proof can make a difference, especially in legal proceedings related to asset division. Messages, call logs, and location history can serve as hard evidence.

3. Location Tracking

If your spouse keeps changing their story about where they’ve been, a spy app can help verify their actual movements. No more guessing games.

4. Monitoring Communication

Affairs don’t always happen in person. Many start with innocent conversations that escalate over time. Spy apps can reveal hidden conversations on platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, or Facebook Messenger.

Alternatives to Spy Apps

While technology can uncover the truth, it’s not the only way to address suspicions in a relationship. Relying on spy apps might seem like an easy solution, but they don’t address the root causes of trust issues, and sometimes the evidence they provide can only complicate things further. Here are a few alternatives that can help navigate a situation where you suspect infidelity, offering healthier, more open approaches to resolving doubts.

Open Communication

It’s often said that honesty is the best policy, and when it comes to a relationship, open communication should be the first step. If you’ve been feeling suspicious or uneasy, it can be tempting to jump straight to using spy apps. But sitting down and having a frank conversation with your partner might not only clear up misunderstandings but also help rebuild trust. Admittedly, this conversation can be difficult, especially when you feel vulnerable, but addressing the issue directly shows maturity and respect. 

Couples Therapy

If suspicions of cheating have turned into serious trust issues, couples therapy might be a more constructive way forward. A professional therapist can act as a mediator, helping both partners explore the underlying problems in the relationship. Therapy can provide a neutral environment where you both feel heard, without jumping to conclusions or making rash decisions. 

Hiring a Private Investigator

If you feel that you need solid, undeniable evidence of infidelity, hiring a private investigator (PI) might be a more appropriate option than using a spy app. Private investigators have the skills and resources to gather evidence without violating privacy laws, as they are trained professionals who know what they’re doing. They can follow your spouse discreetly and document any suspicious behavior or encounters, providing you with a detailed report that can be used in legal proceedings, if necessary. 

What Else Can Spy Apps Be Used For?

While spy apps are primarily used to monitor a partner’s phone activity, they can serve other purposes as well. For instance, they can be handy tools for employers who need to monitor the use of company phones to ensure productivity. This can include tracking business-related calls, emails, and messages to ensure employees are sticking to work-related tasks during office hours. Spy apps can also be used by individuals who want to keep an eye on a friend or family member’s phone activity. 

Worcester Man Arrested on Gun Charges after Pursuit

WORCESTER – Police responded to a report of a fight near Elm Park at around 3 PM on Sunday, March 16, leading to the arrest of a local man on gun charges.

After responding to the call about a fight, officers approached a man who began running toward Russel Street. According to the Worcester Police Department, officers saw the man running with one arm in his jacket pocket.

Officers pursued and eventually detained the man, Derick Barjolo. 22, of Worcester, on Townsend Street.

During their investigation, officers discovered a loaded handgun in the jacket pocket of Barjolo.

Officers arrested Barjolo, who faces charges of:

• Carrying a Firearm without a License;
• Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License;
• Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card
• Disorderly Conduct
• Disturbing the Peace; and
• Resisting Arrest.

Warrant for Leicester Man Leads to Arrest for Drug, Gun Charges

LEICESTER – Police from Worcester and Leicester arrested a local man on weapons and drug charges Thursday, March 13.

Worcester and Leicester police entered the residence of John Bradley, 46, of Leicester, who had multiple outstanding warrants for drug charges. After officers entered the residence, the Worcester Police Department says they observed Bradley exit a bedroom on the first floor. Based on evidence at the scene, officers applied for and received a search warrant for the residence.

During the search, conducted by officers from both departments, the seized around 500 grams of cocaine, packaging and processing materials, a loaded firearm, ammunition, and two large capacity magazines described as “drum style.”

The Worcester Police Department says that all those items found in the room that officers witnessed Bradley exit when they made entry into the residence.

Bradley will face new drug trafficking and firearms charges along with the charges related to the outstanding warrants.

See the Neighborhood Meetings This Week in Worcester

WORCESTER – The Worcester Police Department is encouraging residents to attend their neighborhood watch meetings to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in their neighborhoods and to share any concerns or questions they may have. Representatives from the city also regularly attend these neighborhood meetings.

There are over 50 Neighborhood Watch Groups in Worcester. Meetings are held regularly — often once a month in various locations in the city.

Contact the Worcester Police Department’s Neighborhood Response Team at (508) 799-8664 for more information.

Here are the neighborhood meetings this week in Worcester.

Wednesday, March 19

• Indian Lake Neighborhood Meeting, Panera Bread, 120 Gold Star Blvd. = 6 PM
• Upper Lincoln Street Neighborhood Meeting, Hope for Worcester, 30 Tyler Prentice Rd. – 6:30 PM
• Brown Square Neighborhood Meeting, Brown Square Civic Club, 639 Franklin St. – 7:00 PM

Thursday, March 20

• Mill St Area Neighborhood Meeting, Stearns Tavern, 72 Coes St. – 6 PM

Man Killed in Boylston Officer-Involved Shooting Identified

BOYLSTON – The office of Worcester Counry District Attorney Joe Early Jr. released the name of the man killed in an officer-involved shooting on March 5, and some information about the investigations. The officer involved and the circumstances of the shooting remain unaddressed.

Early’s office says Patrick Sargent, 25, of Boylston, was killed in the shooting.

Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s office remain investigating the incident. State police will turn in its report to Early’s office at the conclusion of their investigation.

Early also hired Winchester Attorney John Dawley Sr. to conduct an external review of the case. Dawley served as 20 years as the first assistant district attorney in Essex County and another seven years as an assistant district attorney. He’s also been in private practice for 17 years.

Dawley will submit his report to Early upon its completion.