The Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General has raised concerns over excessive bonus payments made to Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria. According to the inspector general, between 2016 and 2021, DeMaria received an additional $180,000 in bonuses. The office alleges that DeMaria and his administration manipulated a city ordinance to justify these payments, which were not disclosed to the public or the city council. Initially intended to provide the mayor with a $10,000 reward after each term, a subtle alteration in wording before its approval in 2016 resulted in DeMaria receiving $40,000 annually, rather than the originally intended $10,000 every four years.

In response to this discrepancy, the city council intervened in 2022, reducing the annual bonus to $1,700. The inspector general has since demanded the return of the excess funds, emphasizing that no other elected official receives such substantial bonuses. Despite these claims, DeMaria’s team maintains that the report is unjust and defends the mayor's integrity, asserting that all actions taken were within legal bounds.

This situation highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in local governance. It serves as a reminder that public trust can only be maintained when officials adhere strictly to established rules and regulations. Ensuring fair compensation practices for elected officials is crucial for upholding the principles of good governance and serving the best interests of the community.