If there was any doubt that the Board of Selectmen was pleased with the job Richard Montuori has done through his first three years as Town Manager, it was eliminated last night.

The board voted unanimously to give Montuori a three-year contract extension, through January 2016.

Montuori's current deal was set to expire on Jan. 17, 2013. Due to language in the contract, it would have automatically extended for an additional year if the board had not taken action at its July 17 meeting.

"I am happy and grateful that the Board gave me the extension, I enjoy working with the board very much and all the department heads and staff as well as other public officials," said Montuori. "We have a lot to do over the next three years and I am excited to be part of it."

While the new deal gives Montuori job security, it also gives town officials the chance to put together concrete plans more than a year out, knowing that a town manager is in place to execute those plans.

"We’re certainly very happy with the performance of Mr. Montouri as town manager," said Selectman Doug Sears, who negotiated the new contract with Montuori, along with Selectmen Todd Johnson.

The contract will call for a pay increase in the next budget cycle. Johnson said that increase will be in line with the two percent increase town employees received in their new contracts.

"Our goal is to give the town manager a modest increase commensurate with what the other town employees have been given, starting this July," said Johnson.

Johnson added that they did not want to give Montuori a raise starting immediately because there had not been money for an Town Manager pay increase included in the FY 2013 Budget.

Montuori currently earns a base pay of $148,000 and total compensation of $163,433 a year and has received glowing annual reviews. However, he has declined raises in each of the past two years because town employees have not gotten raises.

"I appreciate the work ethic (of Montuori) and the leadership in terms of his compensation," sais Selectwoman Ann-Marie Stronach.