BARNEGAT – For the first time in nearly 14 years, Barnegat Township is operating its Recreation Department without a director.
The shift follows the dissolution of a shared services agreement with Ocean Township, also known as Waretown, under which Jean Broadbent served as Barnegat’s Recreation Director. The agreement, formally approved at Barnegat’s January 1 reorganization meeting, was intended to continue a long-standing arrangement in which Ocean Township provided Recreation Director services to Barnegat in exchange for monthly reimbursement.
Under the resolution adopted January 1, Barnegat agreed to compensate Ocean Township $2,000 per month for Recreation Director services. The agreement outlined that the director would be scheduled for one hour per day in Barnegat, along with two hours of weekly flex time for special township events. The contract term was set for one year and required 90 days written notice by either party for termination.
However, just five days after the agreement was executed, Ocean Township issued formal notice of its intent to terminate the arrangement. In a January 6 letter to Barnegat Township Administrator Martin Lisella, Ocean Township Business Administrator Diane Ambrosio wrote that Ocean was providing notice “with its intent to terminate the Interlocal Agreement for the position of Recreation Director.” The letter acknowledged the contractual requirement of “a ninety (90) day written notice” but requested that the agreement be concluded “with a shortened notice period of thirty (30) days or less,” proposing January 31, 2026 as the final day.
Ambrosio’s letter also addressed payment terms, stating that “the payment of $2,000 for the month of January will be acceptable. Alternatively, should you wish to terminate the shared services agreement immediately, no payment will be required.”
In an interview, Ambrosio elaborated on Ocean Township’s reasoning for seeking termination. “After reviewing the hours Ms. Broadbent devoted to her position in Barnegat, the Township of Ocean determined that five hours per week would not allow her to perform her duties effectively or at the level to which Barnegat was accustomed,” she said. “Ms. Broadbent performs outstanding work for both municipalities; however, Barnegat’s request to limit her schedule to one hour per day would not allow her to complete her responsibilities in the professional manner to which Barnegat is accustomed.”
A review of records submitted under the shared services agreement shows that Broadbent logged approximately 879.75 regular hours for Barnegat in 2025. That equates to an average of roughly 16.9 hours per week over the course of the year at a per hour reimbursement amount of $59.41.
In addition to regular hours billed through the shared services arrangement, Broadbent was also compensated by Barnegat for overtime and comp time related to township events and programming.
Barnegat Deputy Mayor Fred Rubenstein, acting as spokesperson for the township, emphasized that Broadbent’s departure was not disciplinary in nature.
“Jean’s service to Barnegat has been beyond meritorious,” he said. “Her integrity is impeccable, and she was not terminated from Barnegat.”
Broadbent described the change as unexpected but said she leaves without resentment.
“This would have been my 14th year,” she said. “I have no regrets. It was a great time.” She added that she believes financial considerations played a role in the restructuring.
Recreation Without A Director
With Broadbent’s final day on January 31, Barnegat has not appointed a new Recreation Director. Instead, the township reorganized the department around part-time positions and created assistant director titles without filling the top leadership role.
At the February 3 Township Committee meeting, Barnegat promoted Stacey Fahringer to the position of part-time Recreation Specialist/Special Needs Program in the Recreation Department, effective January 5, at a rate of $22 per hour.
Fahringer previously worked limited hours. “I worked about five a week,” she said. “But if I had an event, I worked more.” Now, she can’t go more than 28 hours a week.
During the January reorganization meeting, the Township Committee also appointed Al Bille, a former township committeeman, as part-time Assistant Recreation Director at $20 per hour. Despite the absence of a Recreation Director, both Fahringer and Bille are listed on the township website as assistant recreation directors.
Fahringer acknowledged the scope of responsibility Broadbent carried during her tenure and the challenges of stepping into an expanded role. “I have big shoes to fill,” she said.
She also noted that much of the work performed by a Recreation Director happens behind the scenes.
Meredith Jackstadt, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist focused on special needs programming, also remains part of the department. Her hours have not changed, according to Fahringer.
Programs Built Over 14 Years
During her nearly 14-year tenure, Broadbent oversaw many of Barnegat’s signature community programs, including Pirates Day, the Farmers Market, summer concerts, fireworks displays and the now disbanded Barnegat Silver Liners senior program. The Silver Liners organization provided social activities, entertainment and connection for local seniors, while Pirates Day and the Farmers Market have become staple events on the township calendar.
Broadbent was also instrumental in working with Barnegat sports leagues, as a liaison to Communities that Care, Barnegat Rotary and other community organizations. She also worked with Jackstadt on the grant that helps individuals with special needs enjoy Meadowedge programming events.
Before stepping away, Broadbent said she worked to cross-train staff on the township’s core events. “I have a lot of confidence in Stacy. She does a great job,” Broadbent added. “And, Al really enjoys working with the concerts.”
Barnegat officials have not publicly indicated whether the absence of a Recreation Director is intended to be temporary or permanent, or whether the township plans to revisit the shared services arrangement in the future.
