PHILLIPSBURG, NJ- In a somewhat bold move Wednesday evening, newly-elected Mayor Randy Piazza, Jr. initiated a $15,000 cut to his predecessor’s $65,000 salary in addition to foregoing nearly $38,000 in health and dental care benefits.
The mayor also pointed out his $15,000 salary cut will be split evenly and awarded to the Phillipsburg Fire Dept., local EMS, and the Senior Center on Firth Street where council now meets bi-monthly. The resolution passed 3-2, with Councilmen Lee M. Clark and Keith Kennedy casting the no votes.
Piazza also will not be using a municipal vehicle for conducting town business, which previously was allegedly driven 1,000 miles a month with Phillipsburg taxpayers paying for the gas, Council President Pete Marino said.
Additionally, he remarked, ” I never heard of a local politician cutting their salary and giving up benefits.”
In other business, Council approved 3-2 the appointment of current recreation director Matt Noel to the position of Deputy Municipal Department Head of the Division of Maintenance Services at an annual base salary of $80,000 plus benefits in addition to remaining the Director of Recreation at an annual stipend of $20,000.