Hillsborough committee approves new CFO, several personnel moves after public questioning of hiring process

The Hillsborough Township Committee on April 8 approved a consent agenda that included hiring Christian Bachelle as the township chief financial officer and several personnel promotions and new hires.

Administrator Ferrara, who introduced Bachelle to the committee, said the township was “very fortunate” to hire a candidate with municipal and private-sector experience and noted that Bachelle already holds a certified chief financial officer license earned in February 2019. “He’s gonna be a great fit,” Ferrara said.

The hiring prompted extended discussion about the recruitment process and compensation. Committee members asked how many applicants applied and how the town handled interviews. Ferrara said the personnel process includes phone screening and multiple interview rounds and that the township followed its customary procedure, but he declined to give full details in public because of confidentiality for applicants.

Committee members also asked about a $25,000 annual stipend tied to shared-service work with Alexandria. Ferrara said the stipend will be prorated and that Phoenix Advisors had been covering the interim work; he said the transition to Bachelle’s service will remove the need for outside advisors. “When Christian takes over here, he’ll assume that responsibility and that responsibility will then no longer be that of Phoenix Advisors,” Ferrara said.

Several committee members praised the police promotions and other hires included in the consent agenda. Committee member Britting said the police department’s cross-training and promotion process strengthens the force, while another member described the slate of new hires as “a very good night for bringing good people on in the township.”

Bachelle briefly addressed the committee after being introduced as “the new CFO.” Attendance at the meeting included members of the administration, the HR director Harriet Finster, Acting CFO Joseph Manzo and several department liaisons who spoke in support of the hires.

The committee approved the consent agenda (items 1–10) and then approved consent agenda item number 2 separately. The roll calls were taken for both votes.

The meeting also included several routine recognitions — proclamations for local teachers and for top responders in the township fire companies — and the committee scheduled ceremonial swearing-in for promoted officers the following day.

The committee adjourned after public comment and routine business.

Ending: The new CFO is expected to start work under the terms discussed in the consent agenda; committee members asked administration to clarify stipend proration and grant/funding lines where applicable in the coming days.