Township Operating Without A Chief Financial Officer

With the retirement of Fran Vanderhoof, effective Aug. 1, Montville Township is currently without a chief financial officer.

"We are looking for a new CFO," township administrator Frank Bastone said. "The position is empty at the moment."

According to Bastone, the township is currently in the process of reviewing resumes and interviewing applicants to fill the position.

The search comes as a result of a failed deal between the township and the borough of Lincoln Park, in which that community's CFO, Kerry Geisler, would have split time between the two municipalities.  According to a report by the Star-Ledger, Lincoln Park mayor David Runfeldt felt the arrangement would put too much of a strain on Geisler.

Bastone stressed that the township maintains an "excellent working relationship" with Lincoln Park despite his disappointment at the arrangement's failure to materialize.

"I thought it was an idea that had merit," he said. "We have some unique circumstances that lent itself to the arrangement. You know, it difficult economic times, not just for municipalities, for everyone. This was an opportunity to think outside the box and I'm disappointed it didn't work out."

Bastone was unable to provide a timetable for the hiring of a new CFO, saying that the township would bring someone in as soon as possible.

According to Mayor Jim Sandham, Vanderhoof had worked for the township since 1975, serving as its chief financial officer for a 22-year period before officially stepping down on Sunday, Aug. 1.

"She's been very dedicated," Sandham said. "She's put a bunch of time in with the town. She's sharp, dedicated, trustworthy, everything you'd want in a CFO. We're going to miss her."

The township committee discussed the CFO position during closed session at its last meeting on July 27. The next township committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 10.