It was perhaps the last act of a lame-duck mayor: raises for political appointments.
Former Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch approved around $2.5 million worth of raises that were promised in the past, but weren't yet budgeted for according to new Mayor Joe Ganim.
“It definitely is a kick in the face and it’s problematic," Ganim said just hours before he was to take the oath of office on Tuesday to assume the job he previously held.
Ganim said the decision by his predecessor instantly put a financial stranglehold on the city's finances and the raises can't be reversed.
He described the raises as "reckless and desperate."
"They pushed them out the door so that those who were leaving, including my immediate predecessor the mayor, got a substantial deposit in a bank account yesterday morning.
I think that was just wrong,” Ganim said.
NBC Connecticut's attempts to reach Bill Finch were unsuccessful.
The raises weren't the only last-minute action by Finch, either. He appointed the city's police chief to a new five-year term.
Joseph Gaudett was previously appointed by Mayor Finch and Ganim viewed the move as a backdoor attempt to cause mistrust in the highest levels of city government.
“I think, both politically and policy-wise, it was an intentional act, trying to create a wedge between the police department and me -- us, this new administration -- and I think that’s just wrong,” Ganim said.
Ganim hasn't yet spoken with Gaudett, who's held the job for five years, and said he's having attorneys examine whether the action by Finch was proper.
"We'll deal with it" Ganim said. "I'm not sure it's a legal appointment."
