LISBON - The school district's retiring treasurer was rehired under a new four-year contract approved at a special school board meeting held Wednesday.
Treasurer Cindy Altomare submitted her retirement/resignation at the board's May 13 meeting after 30 years, 22 with the Lisbon school district, because of pending changes in the state pension plan for public employees. School Superintendent Don Thompson said at the time they intended to rehire Altomare at some point before her retirement took effect.
Altomare's new contract begins July 1, the same day her retirement is effective, and will run through July 2016, and during that period her annual salary will be frozen at $72,055. Altomare's salary was $83,490 when she retired.
The practice of allowing government employees to retire and rehire them for the same job - commonly referred to as double dipping - has been criticized by some, especially when done by elected officials who retire and are re-elected to the same position.
Officials maintain the practice does not cost the taxpayers any more and can actually save money if the retiring employee is rehired for less money, and they no longer take health insurance coverage from their employer.
Altomare is required to work 200 days per year but she will not receive any personal, holiday or vacation days as part of the package. Altomare said she will be required to take the district health insurance, however, because of program changes made at the state level.
