Comptroller Faults Pay in Some NJ Fire Districts

New Jersey's comptroller found some of the state's fire districts pay their employees more than the average in New York City and Philadelphia.

The watchdog released a report Wednesday that examined fire districts in Woodbridge, Cherry Hill and Brick Township.

The comptroller found those districts allow for large retirement payouts, excessive longevity benefits and large annual raises.

Municipal fire and police departments in New Jersey have been subject to a 2 percent cap on pay increases as part of an effort by Gov. Chris Christie to limit property taxes.

But the comptroller found a firefighter who started at $30,000 a year in Woodbridge could triple his salary in six years.

Comptroller's office spokesman Pete McAleer tells The Record newspaper the report was specific to the three fire districts.

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