As Brick MUA Job Ending, Lacey Resigns From Freeholder Post: Report

BRICK, NJ -- James F. Lacey has resigned from the Ocean County Board of Freeholders, according to a report.

The Asbury Park Press reported Lacey’s resignation was announced by Freeholder Director John C. Bartlett Jr., who said Lacey submitted his resignation Thursday morning.

Bartlett said Lacey, 61, was informed he would not be reappointed as executive director of the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority, and in order for Lacey to retired and collect a pension, he is required under state law to resign all of his paid public positions invested in the state Public Employees Retirement System — which includes his seat on the Board of Freeholders, where he receives an annual stipend of $30,000.

Lacey’s annual base salary with the BTMUA was $192,280; his contract expires as of Dec. 31, 2015, and the MUA commissioners voted in late September to not renew the contract, according to MUA records. Lacey had been the BTMUA executive director since 2007.

“It is my regretful duty to inform the county of the resignation of Jim Lacey as a freeholder in Ocean County,” Bartlett told reporters who were included on the phone call. “Jim has now submitted his letter of resignation as a county freeholder and certainly from my perspective as director of the board, I’m very sad to see him leave.”

Lacey’s departure comes on the heels of the possible resignation of Freeholder Jack Kelly, who was recently appointed by Gov. Chris Christie to a position on the State Parole Board. That appointment must be confirmed by the State Senate.

Lacey had served on all-Republican Board of Freeholders since 1993.

The Asbury Park Press reported Bartlett said the non-renewal of Lacey’s MUA contract was due to Democrats controlling the township government in Brick and seeking to put a Democrat into the position.

The MUA is advertising for resumes for the executive director position on its website with a Jan. 15 submission deadline. The MUA’s reorganization meeting is set for 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 1 at the MUA offices. The MUA also has a meeting scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m.