Brick Mayor’s Salary Reduced Thanks To Ordinance

An ordinance that would dramatically reduce the Mayor’s salary in Brick Township gets the all thumbs up from both political parties.

The idea proposed by the new Democrat slate in the town (pictured) passes first reading with a 7 to nothing vote in favor of passage. It’s all in an effort to get spending under control and prevent double dipping from occurring, both in the private and public sectors.

The plan would reduce the Mayor’s salary from $52,000 to $15,000. The ordinance applies only if the Mayor has another full time job. This would apply to Mayor Steve Acropolis, who works full time at the Toms River MUA at a salary of $93,000. However, Acropolis has voluntarily pledged to lower his pay to one dollar for the year.

Council President John Ducey says “The people of Brick are not buying this. If Mayor Acropolis’ team won in last November’s election nothing at all would have changed. The Mayor would still be collecting two full time taxpayer funded salaries.”

Republican council members Dominic Brando, Joseph Sangiovanni and Dan Toth all voted yes to the new ordinance as well.

Council President Ducey stated, “We were elected to keep a close watch on spending and taxes, which have been out of control in Brick. The taxpayers in Brick cannot afford to pay the Mayor or anyone else a full time salary for part time work.”

Councilwoman Lydecker continued, “This would not only apply to Mayor Acropolis, but to anyone elected as Brick Mayor that has another full time job.”

Councilman Fozman added, “The sad truth is that Acropolis has already cashed in. In the past year, he padded his pension with his two public paychecks and he is set up to collect close to $100,000 a year pension for the rest of his life.”

Councilman Moore continued, “It’s not up to the Mayor to decide his own salary. He took $52,000 last year, says he will only take a dollar this year, but who knows what he will take next year? Compensation should be based on law, not on the whim of the Mayor. That’s why we are passing an ordinance that will apply to everyone.”

The ordinance will come up for a second reading and final passage into law at the next council meeting on January 24th. The public will also be able to comment on the issue.