PLEASE NOTE: This newsletter is intended to share information and context about local government and community issues. It is not an official Borough communication.
An Important Item on Wednesday's Council Agenda
Major decisions about Borough leadership deserve thoughtful consideration, transparency and meaningful discussion among the elected officials responsible for representing our residents.
At tomorrow evening's Borough Council meeting, Wednesday, November 4, Council is scheduled to consider Resolution #180-2026 – Authorizing the Reappointment of the Borough Administrator for a Three-Year Term and Approval of an Amended Employment Agreement.
This is an important decision for Mendham. The Borough Administrator plays a significant role in the day-to-day operations of our local government, and the proposed resolution would commit the Borough to another three-year term, including an amended employment agreement with significant financial and contractual implications.
We have several concerns about the process leading up to this vote that we believe residents should understand:
Input from the full Council: The Mayor and Council recently conducted interviews with candidates for the Borough Administrator position. However, there has not been an opportunity for the full Council to discuss those candidates, share their perspectives or build consensus before the proposed reappointment was placed on the agenda.
Committee review and recommendation: We believe a decision of this significance should first receive appropriate review through the relevant Council committees, including Personnel and Finance, with a recommendation brought forward for consideration by the full Council. That process has not yet occurred.
Review of the employment agreement: The proposed agreement includes significant salary increases over the next three years, along with other contractual and performance-related provisions. Council members should have adequate time to review and discuss these terms, understand their financial implications and negotiate before being asked to vote.
Time to make an informed decision: The Council recently completed an extensive interview process, and the current Borough Administrator's contract does not expire until December 31, 2026. There is still time to have the necessary discussions and complete a thoughtful review before making a decision. The Personnel Committee Chair requested additional time before proceeding, yet the resolution remains on the agenda.
Why does this matter?
While the Borough Administrator is appointed by the Mayor, the appointment requires the advice and consent of Borough Council. That is an important part of how our Borough government is structured. Council's role is not simply to approve an appointment, but to ask questions, consider the terms, and make an informed decision on behalf of the residents it represents.
We believe that meaningful Council discussion, appropriate committee review, and a thorough evaluation of the proposed employment agreement should happen before this resolution comes to a vote.
For that reason, we have requested that Resolution #180-2026 be tabled until these discussions can take place and Council members have had sufficient opportunity to review all aspects of the proposed appointment and agreement.
We encourage residents who are interested in this matter to review the resolution, attend tomorrow's meeting, and share their perspectives with the Mayor and Council. Copies of the proposed Employment Agreement can be requested through the Borough Clerk.
CONTACT MAYOR JAMES KELLY
ATTEND THE COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
7:00 PM
Garabrant Center
4 Wilson Street, Mendham Borough
We recognize that raising concerns about a process like this is not something to take lightly. We have faith in our local government and in the people elected to serve our community. But we also believe that important decisions deserve the time, discussion and oversight necessary to get them right.
