Council grants permanent residency waiver to township manager after executive session

After an executive session, the Willingboro Township Council voted to grant a permanent waiver of the municipal residency requirement to Township Manager Harris.

The motion followed extended discussion in open session and executive session about whether the residency ordinance (which generally requires the township manager to live in Willingboro) should be strictly enforced, amended, or waived. Councilwoman Rebecca Perrone opposed the waiver, arguing the manager’s employment agreement and the township ordinance require residency and calling it unacceptable that an employee who declined to move back had received raises and continued compensation. Perrone said she could not support changing an ordinance to fit an individual and voted no.

Supporters said the issue required nuance, fairness and consistency. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy and Councilwoman McIntosh argued the council had already granted temporary waivers and that life circumstances could change; they recommended reviewing the ordinance to clarify residency expectations going forward. McIntosh and Worthy also stressed the need to treat similar employees the same and suggested the ordinance be revised to state residency as a preference with clearer implementation rules.

Mayor Merrick Whitfield and other supporters emphasized Harris’s accomplishments while living in Willingboro, citing projects completed or advanced under his watch (roads, lighting, completion of the performing arts center) and said he had lived in town previously and had integrated into the community. Mayor Whitfield said he supported granting the permanent waiver and thanked Harris for his work.

The council adopted the waiver by roll call. Councilwoman Perrone voted no; Councilwoman McIntosh, Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy and Mayor Whitfield voted yes; one council seat was absent at the vote.