Fitchburg Detective Tops City Payroll at $235,886

Analysis shows over 300 city workers earned $100,000 or more in 2025

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A Fitchburg police detective was the top earner in city government last year, making $235,886 in gross pay by working two jobs, including approving around 700 license to carry applications. The city's mayor and council president say high municipal salaries and rising health care costs are straining the budget, with over 300 city workers earning $100,000 or more in 2025.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges cities face in managing payroll costs, especially as health insurance expenses continue to rise. It raises questions about overtime pay, the efficiency of government processes, and whether high salaries for some municipal workers are justified.

The details

Police Detective Tabitha Pepple earned $235,886 in 2025, boosting her $86,299 base pay by working overtime, mostly to approve around 700 license to carry applications. The city's mayor said Pepple is the sole detective who reviewed all those applications and renewals, which ultimately go through the police chief for final approval. The city payroll analysis shows three employees, including Pepple, earned over $200,000, while another 312 city workers made $100,000 or more. The mayor and council president say high pay and unexpected $4.5 million hikes in health insurance costs over the past two years are straining the municipal budget.

  • In 2025, Fitchburg police detective Tabitha Pepple earned $235,886 in gross pay.
  • Over the past two years, the city has seen a $4.5 million increase in health insurance costs.

The players

Tabitha Pepple

A Fitchburg police detective who was the top earner in city government in 2025, making $235,886 in gross pay.

Samantha Squailia

The mayor of Fitchburg who said Pepple is the sole detective who reviewed around 700 license to carry applications and renewals.

Anthony Zarrella

The Fitchburg City Council President who said high pay citywide is something they monitor and that all departments are trying to keep it in check.

Steven Giannini

The Fitchburg police chief who earned $235,886, making him the second-highest paid city employee in 2025.

Jonathan Thompson

The Fitchburg school superintendent who was paid $224,410 in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think she sleeps. She's the sole detective who reviewed 700 license to carry applications and renewals.”

— Samantha Squailia, Mayor (lowellsun.com)

“All those applications and renewals ultimately go through the chief for final approval.”

— Samantha Squailia, Mayor (lowellsun.com)

“High pay citywide is 'something we monitor,' adding 'all departments are trying to keep it in check.'”

— Anthony Zarrella, City Council President (lowellsun.com)

“The problem is not salary it's post-COVID' health care costs, and he added that bill is 'not expected to go down.'”

— Anthony Zarrella, City Council President (lowellsun.com)

What’s next

The city is still finalizing its new budget, and it remains to be seen if any layoffs will be considered to help address the rising health care costs.

The takeaway

This story highlights the financial pressures facing municipalities as they grapple with high salaries, overtime pay, and skyrocketing health insurance expenses. It raises questions about government efficiency and whether certain public sector roles warrant such high compensation, especially as cities struggle to provide basic services within tight budgets.