Mendham Twp. Committeeman Will Resign Post After Being Hired as Borough Administrator

Three months after Mendham Borough’s administrator, Ellen Sandman, took the same post in Parsippany-Troy Hills, the municipality has hired someone to fill that space, and it’s a familiar face.

The council approved Monday night at its regular meeting to hire Richard Merkt, former New Jersey legislator and current Mendham Township Committeeman, as its newest employee. Merkt also served as Mendham Township mayor in 2013.

“I wanted to appoint somebody with a blend of extensive private sector business background and experience serving as a local official. The Borough Council and I were favorably impressed by Rick Merkt’s business background, qualifications, and ideas for the position and are looking forward to Rick implementing these ideas into the day to day operation of the Borough,” said Mendham Borough Mayor Neil Henry in a statement released after the vote.

There won’t be any conflict of interest for Merkt, however, who is resigning his post as a Mendham Township committeeman immediately and withdrawing from the Mendham Township Republican Committee as well, Henry said.

“I am grateful to the Mayor for appointing me to this office and to the Borough Council for confirming the appointment,” Merkt said in the statement. “This is a wonderful opportunity to serve the residents of Mendham Borough, and I am delighted to accept it.”

Merkt is scheduled to assume the new position on Nov. 1 with an annual salary of $125,000, Henry said. Sandman left the position with a salary of $130,000.