East Brunswick Moves Ahead with Restructuring Plan

East Brunswick is aiming for a more streamlined look next year.

On Dec. 21, The Township Council unanimously agreed to a restructuring program that includes combining the dissolved Sewer Authority with the Water Division and creating a new Water and Sewer Authority. The plan also calls for combining the Division of Recreation and the Parks Department and creating the Department of Parks and Recreation.

"This is the continuation of the cost savings that I've been doing since I got here," said Mayor David Stahl. "This is another method by which we will achieve savings."

By dissolving the Sewer Authority, the township expects to eliminate more than a half million dollars--$457,000--in costs, according to Township Administrator Jim White. Savings would increase even more by the elimination of two, currently vacant, administrative assistant positions in the Parks Department.

Staff members there are currently doing the work previously assigned the positions, but once the department is eliminated, the responsibilities would be distributed more evenly, said Mr. White. The Parks Department is located on Dunhams Corner Road, within walking distance of the Recreation Department.

The Parks Department, which has less than five people working in it, would move to the Recreation building, a move that will be phased in over the next several months.

"By now restructuring Parks, Recreation, and Public Works, we will realize an immediate savings of over $100,000 by combining certain staff positions."

Mr. White said the move was based on the available skills and talent of the people currently on staff. The move also would mean future long-term savings through attrition, he continued.

"This will benefit the township with its flexibility," he said.