TOMS RIVER – An ordinance restructured departments and divisions in town hall. While the mayor and administration said this is a housekeeping measure, critics say it’s a power grab.
The difference is between what constitutes a division and what constitutes a department.
The ordinance that passed at the most recent Township Council meeting created four new divisions: Community Development; Health and Human Services; Recreation; and Parks, Buildings, and Grounds. These will replace departments of the same name.
Mayor Daniel Rodrick said that this move is little more than a way to make the structure in town hall make sense.
“We currently have the Division of Roads with over 50 employees and a Department of Senior Services with four employees,” he said. Sanitation is a division under the administration, although it’s one of the largest groups.
Department heads and division heads both report to the business administrator anyway, he said. The only department heads that will be left on the books are the ones required by state statute.
“I believe it’s a consolidation of power,” said Councilman James Quinlisk. He noted that a possible purpose was to undermine the Township Council.
“There’s too much power at the top,” he said. “It’s not as simple as housekeeping.”
Councilman David Ciccozzi, who also often disagrees with the mayor, voted against it.
“I don’t know any other town who has this kind of government. There’s no oversight and it’s a complete power grab,” he said.
Paul Williams, a resident who frequently comments at meetings, said that “This council now has no authority to confirm or deny” appointments of people running these divisions.
According to the Faulkner form of government, which Toms River uses, the mayor appoints department heads with council approval.
The council majority ultimately voted to make this change.
In a previous meeting, Council President Craig Coleman noted that this change doesn’t affect salaries.
