No Pay Increase for Elected Officials

Town Council unanimously passed a compensation ordinance last week that keeps elected officials' stipends stable.

“There’s no increase for the elected officials,” said Councilwoman Rebecca Feldman.

They also approved compensation for management/non-union positions in the town for 2013.

“Were there any differences (compared to) last year’s?” asked Councilwoman Raline Smith-Reid.

“All non-union public employees that were part of this ordinance will receive a 2 percent increase,” said Town Administrator Michael Rogers. 

“While the salary increases are occurring, overall the municipal tax will not go up,” said Feldman.

Several improvement projects were also approved:

• The council appropriated $1,195,000 and issued $1,38,080 in bonds or notes of the town to finance part of the cost for various road and sidewalk improvements, park and Burnham Pool improvements, DPQ equipment replacement and Town Hall building improvements.
• They also appropriated $54,000 to finance part of the capital improvements for the Morristown Municipal Airport, as well as approve an application for an AIP grant with the Federal Aviation Administration for an environmental assessment for the airport's runway.
• Also, $120,000 of grant funds from the NJDOT Safe Routes to School program was approved. This money will be awarded to the Sussex Avenue Safe Walking Program and will install speed humps, raised crosswalks, traffic sign materials, traffic stripes and sidewalk and pedestrian ramp improvements.
• The council passed a contract with Backstage Media to videotape the council meetings at a rate of $100 per month, or $1,200 a year.