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Matawan council delegates temporary‑stipend approvals to borough administrator; one councilmember abstains
Summary
Council passed Resolution 26‑07‑06 to allow the borough administrator to approve temporary stipends and assign duties during employee leaves; municipal counsel explained the vote delegates spending authority and councilmember Suzanne Reynolds abstained.
The Matawan Borough Council on July 14 adopted Resolution 26‑07‑06 delegating authority to the borough administrator to approve temporary stipends and assign additional duties during an employee’s leave of absence.
Municipal counsel explained to the council that a vote for the resolution would delegate the governing body’s authority to the borough administrator to determine stipend recipients and amounts, while the ultimate expenditure authority remains with the governing body’s appropriation. Counsel summarized the legal effect: “What you’re doing is you’re delegating your authority to the borough administrator to be able to, to give out the stipends.”
Council discussion addressed how stipend amounts would be set. A councilmember noted past practice: when the council previously approved stipends it was never to exceed the amount of the weekly payroll for the position being covered. Councilmembers expressed a desire to avoid budget burden while maintaining operational continuity.
On the roll call the resolution passed with one recorded abstention by Councilperson Suzanne Reynolds; other members voted yes.
Next steps: with the delegation approved, borough staff will implement procedures for awarding temporary stipends consistent with council guidance and existing precedent.
