Township adopts updated salary‑range ordinance amid calls for benchmarking transparency

The Hillsborough Township Committee voted on Dec. 9 to adopt Ordinance 2025‑18, which updates salary ranges for municipal positions. Committee members and several residents questioned where benchmark data came from and how often ranges will be reviewed, but the committee majority said updated ranges reduce procedural inefficiency and allow the township to remain competitive for talent.

Human Resources staff described the change as a salary‑range update, not a direct raise. "This is simply a salary range," HR (Harry) said, explaining that the ordinance enlarges ranges so the township will not need frequent ordinance updates for small adjustments or one‑time stipends. Residents with compensation expertise urged transparency about data sources and periodic review frequency; the committee said it uses local municipal comparators and multiple data sources, including neighboring towns and New Jersey municipal salary information.

Committeewoman Samantha Hand voted no, saying she feared the change could set a precedent that increases salary obligations without clear funding. Several members asked HR to provide percentile placement and a clearer summary of which positions are currently filled. The motion to close the public hearing and adopt the ordinance passed by roll call after public comment and committee discussion.

Administrators said future individual salary actions remain public and would require separate votes when appropriate; the ordinance establishes ranges that enable managers to offer competitive starting salaries and occasional one‑time stipends without repeated ordinance changes. The committee requested staff provide a follow‑up memo showing the benchmarking sources and the percentile position for each updated range.