Salary Cap Increases the Mayor Didn’t Acknowledge

The Berkeley Heights Town Council met on Tuesday December 2 for a regularly scheduled meeting.

The meeting opened with yet another discussion about chickens. Yes, chickens again. I am personally over the beaked fowl and would love to see these meetings focus on actual business. Let the people have their pets. Two residents spoke in favor of allowing chickens and pointed out that having fewer than twelve is unhealthy since the animals do better in larger groups. One resident noted that urban areas like Newark allow anywhere from twelve to twenty four chickens. The Township Administrator said the ordinance is important but due to the structure of the Council it will not be approved until February since it is customary for the new Council to have the first and second reading of an ordinance.

Council members recognized the current Police Chief William Ives for his twenty eight years of service and for his work and dedication to Berkeley Heights. In light of his retirement Council approved the appointment of Frankie Mea effective January 1 2026.

Council reports followed with a theme of gratitude and the importance of volunteers in the Township.

Business moved along as expected. All items were adopted and passed without any discussion or deliberation. However the Mayor commented on the first reading of Ordinance 2025-35 which amends the minimum and maximum salary guidelines for appointed and elected officials.

Devanney claimed that the only change is for the Tax Collector because the new hire will be doing additional finance work along with tax collection so they are giving him additional funding as he takes on additional responsibilities.

While it is reasonable to compensate someone for the work they do Devanney’s explanation did not address the fact that sixteen positions received increases. As previously reported not a single increase was supported by a reference to workload responsibility or any common sense reasoning. No amended job description for the Tax Collector was included in the agenda packet and this was one of the few positions that remained unchanged from 2024.

Changes to maximum salary caps compared to the 2024 Salary Ordinance:

So either the Mayor was confused about the ordinance or no one knew what they were approving or what the changes actually were.

Related Articles:
New Salary Ranges Prompt Public Questions Ahead of Tonight’s Berkeley Heights Council Meeting

John’s Notes on the 12/02 Berkeley Heights Town Council Agenda

Read More on Town Council Meetings and Agendas

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