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Residents press council for details on school audit; mayor says findings will be released when complete
Summary
Residents and a Board of Education member at the Dec. 3 Parsippany (Troy Hills) meeting criticized the council for approving an audit without a clear scope; Mayor Barberio and council said the audit will be released once completed and reviewed by a small committee.
At the Parsippany (Troy Hills) Township Council meeting on Dec. 3, multiple public speakers pressed the council for transparency about a proposed audit of the school district, questioning its scope, cost and purpose.
Jack Ray, who identified himself as a member of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education but said he was speaking as a private citizen, told the council "there are not yet any numbers to to report regarding the audits, nor will there be" and said the council voted to hire an auditor without establishing a clear scope for the engagement. Ray argued that an additional audit could divert scarce school-district resources and urged residents to attend a Dec. 19 Board of Education meeting where the district auditor will present its findings.
Tim Berrios, another resident, criticized council members’ handling of the matter and used the term "blackmail" to describe perceived political pressure. His remarks also questioned details tied to a $17,500 figure referenced in earlier meetings.
Mayor Barberio responded to public criticism, saying the audit "when it's completed, it will be released" and that initial release would be to the committee formed to review it (the mayor, the council vice president and Councilman Matthew McGrath), with subsequent public release. On allegations of bribery raised in public comment he said, "With regards to bribery, I don't know where that came from." The council president also urged members of the public not to use disrespectful language toward elected officials.
Council members asked that when the audit findings are ready they be provided to the internal review committee first; the mayor and staff said they will follow that process and then make the findings public. Several council members requested a comprehensive update be provided to the public by the next council meeting, and the mayor said the findings are not complete and will be released when ready.
No formal action on the audit was taken at the meeting; council business proceeded to consent-agenda items and votes.
