Rumors Of ‘Privatization’ In Montclair Not True, Officials Say

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Rumors that some township services might be “privatized” in Montclair are unfounded, officials say.

During the town council’s meeting on Tuesday, township manager Michael Lapolla addressed “rumors” that the town is considering the privatization of its trash service and kennel service at the municipal animal shelter (watch the video below, cued to his comments).

Both are untrue, he said.

“There are no plans anywhere at all about privatizing any parts of government, especially anything having to do with garbage or the kennel at the animal shelter,” Lapolla said.

“It’s very hard to disprove something that’s not true,” Lapolla added. “But it’s not happening. So I just want to say for the record to the public that that is unfounded, untrue, made up and whatever else you want to call it.”

Mayor Sean Spiller also commented on privatization of municipal resources in Montclair at the meeting.

“I remember those of us running – even years ago – that was actually one of the issues,” Spiller said. “And specifically, those of us running saying ‘Absolutely not. No way. No how. Not on our watch.’”

“We’ve seen it time and time again,” the mayor continued. “Entities come in, they come in with a low bid … and then all of the sudden those rates jack up.”

Spiller said the town’s sanitation department has been a key part of the local response team in weather emergencies, hauling away water-damaged property during floods at schools when nobody else was available, and pitching in during snowstorms.

“So I'll reiterate something specifically that I ran on,” Spiller added. “No way [to] outsourcing, we've seen firsthand the value added to having things in-house. And I will just strongly state that again – for the record.”

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