Moorestown Council Appoints New Township Manager

MOORESTOWN, NJ — A little less than a week after Moorestown Council accepted the resignation of Scott Carew, a new Township Manager was put in place Monday night.

Council unanimously approved a resolution to appoint Tom Merchel Township Manager during its meeting Monday night at town hall.

Merchel will be paid $42,000, according to the resolution, and would continue to act as the Township’s Chief Financial Officer as well as its manager. He would be paid separately for each position.

When asked about the dual positions by a resident on Monday night, Merchel responded that it’s common practice in many towns. He admitted it’s a little tougher in large towns, but he was confident he would be able to handle both positions.

Council unanimously accepted Carew’s resignation, effective immediately, during a special meeting at town hall on Tuesday night, Jan. 17. The official reason for his resignation was so he could pursue other opportunities.

Following Carew's resignation, Merchel was the Acting Manager. He already served as the Deputy Township Manager prior to that.

The resolution states that Merchel has the necessary experience and academic credentials and is, therefore, qualified for the position of Township Manager.

In Moorestown's form of government, council members are elected directly by the people, and council elects the mayor at its annual reorganization meeting. It is the Township Manager, who is appointed by council, who is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the township.