Seven NJ Utility Commissioners Dismissed Over Stipends

Seven commissioners of a northern New Jersey utilities authority have lost their posts because they refused to give up stipends and medical benefits they receive for their service.

Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan announced Monday that she had fired all but two members of the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority.

Jeanne Baratta, Donovan's chief of staff, told The Record that termination notices were served Monday afternoon. They allege misconduct for ignoring Donovan's repeated vetoes of the authority's meeting minutes over the stipend issue.

Baratta said the two remaining commissioners -- who were recently appointed -- weren't dismissed because they haven't accepted stipends.

The authority's chairman -- who was among those ousted -- has claimed the board can't reduce a commissioner's salary and benefits until their current term has expired.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)