Parsippany (Troy Hills) mayor says memorandum of understanding on pilot revenue sharing is under way; audit review on hold

Mayor Barbario told the Parsippany (Troy Hills) Township Council on May 6 that he has sent a memorandum of understanding to the school district proposing revenue sharing of pilot payments and said the proposal would return to council for approval if the district agrees.

Several council members pressed for clarity about an audit or review of the school board’s finances that had previously been linked in council discussions to any sharing of pilot revenue. Councilman Justin (surname not provided) said he understood no pilot money would be shared until that review was complete. Mayor Barbario said the review is "on hold" and that the memorandum of understanding is not binding; any final agreement will be negotiated by attorneys and brought back to the council for approval.

Council members questioned how the shared amount will be determined without the audit data. The mayor responded that the township’s financial advisor would analyze the numbers and determine an amount that both supports the schools and protects the township’s finances. He said the sharing could cover pilots starting in 2024 and ongoing approvals, and specifically mentioned Avalon Bay as included.

Council members asked whether pilot sharing would be affected by the school district’s 2% cap on spending increases; the mayor said that issue would be part of negotiations. The mayor also said the memorandum was intended as a starting point and that final terms, including any amount, would be reviewed in executive session and presented to council prior to final approval.

The exchange included repeated requests from council members for additional financial detail before they will vote on the budget later in May. The mayor said he prioritized the memorandum but that council review and attorney negotiation remain required steps before any revenue transfer occurs.