Belmar DPW Employees Settle with Borough

A settlement between the borough of Belmar and its Department of Public Works employees will provide raises to current employees, but may provide for cost saving measures in the long term.

An agreement reached between the governing body and the DPW employees comes after a longstanding dispute. With the new contract, DPW workers will take no salary increase for 2010. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, each employee's base salary will be raised $1,350.

DPW workers will also give up one holiday.

Under the agreement, the borough was able to lower the starting salary for a newly hired public works employee to $35,000 per year, down from $43,000. With retirements within the department anticipated in the coming years, a measure of savings could be coming to the borough. 

"I get nothing but positive feedback on our Department of Public Works," Mayor Matt Doherty said. "These are guys who work hard and in tough conditions."

The mayor explained that for the average Belmar taxpayer, DPW costs account for $430 in their annual tax bill— approximately $35 a month.

Despite raises for DPW employees, Belmar is expected to introduce a budget with no tax increase this year.