LIVERMORE FALLS – Selectmen voted Tuesday night to budget a 5 percent salary increase for Town Manager Martin Puckett in the fiscal 2009 budget.

The increase will only be effective as of January 2009, to coincide with his annual review date, Chairman Jackie Knight said Wednesday.

“The budget of $1,250 would be for the last six months of the 2008-09 budget year and is contingent upon his performance review,” Knight said.

Selectmen made the decision after an executive session in a 3-0 vote, she said. Selectmen Ernie Souther and David Lemire were absent from Tuesday night’s meeting.

Puckett’s salary is $50,000.

Selectmen voted 3-0 in September 2007 to approve a two-year contract for Puckett beginning Jan. 1, 2008, and expiring Dec. 31, 2010.

Puckett, of Augusta, was hired in January 2006.

Selectmen agreed then to review his compensation on or about Jan. 1 of each year of the agreement, and determine what increase in base compensation or performance award was appropriate.

Selectmen also granted Puckett a third week of vacation in lieu of a salary increase in 2008, Knight said.