Council splits over proposed deputy business administrator position

The mayor told the workshop she plans to pursue creation of a Deputy Business Administrator position to provide day-to-day administrative support for municipal projects, citing heavy workloads involving the marina, Verizon tower negotiations, affordable-housing work and the recent fire-department review.

"We need more professionals in the administrative department," the mayor said, arguing the borough is handling a larger-than-typical portfolio and that a deputy would improve operations. The administration noted the ordinance as drafted would open the title and allow future appointment rather than immediately hiring.

Several council members said they received the ordinance only at the last minute and requested time to review payroll, HR and CFO input. Councilwoman Donovan said she did not feel comfortable voting without more information; another council member raised the projected minimum payroll impact of about $150,000 for two new positions and questioned whether a marina supervisor could address some workload issues instead.

Council later took a roll-call vote on whether to offer Ordinance 2024-23 (amending salary schedules and authorizing the deputy title) for first reading. Votes recorded in the workshop were: Councilwoman Donovan — no; Councilwoman Kenny — no; Mayor — yes; Councilman Rondo — yes; Councilman Lis — no. The motion to offer the ordinance for first reading therefore did not advance that evening.

Council members asked the administration to provide clearer rationale, job descriptions, payroll projections and HR/CFO analysis before further action. The mayor said she will continue to press for the position and may pursue other procedural options to create the role.