DOVER — Members of Dover's board of aldermen and the town's mayor have approved raises for themselves and other muncipal employees — in the mayor's case, by 60 percent.

The increases were reported by the Daily Record, which said the aldermen's salaries would increase from $12,000 to $18,500, a raise of a little more than 50 percent. Mayor James Dodd, who has headed the town for 11 years, will get $49,500, up from $31,000.

"We interrupt our private lives three to four times a week for people in the town," the paper quotes Fourth Ward Alderman Ronald Camacho, the only governing body to respond to the paper's messages, saying. The resolution approving the increases affects about 50 positions overall.

The paper also quoted Town Administrator Donald J. Travisano defended the raises saying Dodd, who also owns an automotive business, works at least 60 hours a week on town business. Dover's mayorship is not a full-time position under municipal codes and does not qualify for health benefits.

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