Council Makes Final Call On Salary Range For Department Heads

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City Council gave final approval to a proposed ordinance that sets a maximum salary for department heads at its meeting last Thursday night at City Hall.

The ordinance sets a salary range of $90,000 to $160,000 for department heads, to take effect during the first quarter of 2018. The ordinance is the result of the city administration's discussions with two new department heads and its desire to be fair in compensation.

The administration expressed a desire to be fair to the newer department heads and the "other department heads who have been providing excellent service to the city and its taxpayers for several years."

It allows the administration the flexibility to adjust salaries, up or down, within the range and within the budget approved by council. The mayor will make final determination on any salary adjustments.

Any and all increases depend on the available money, according to the proposal. Previously, City Council voted on salaries for each department head individually.

Residents who spoke during the Nov. 30 meeting expressed concerns that the ordinance could make salaries for highly paid employees less transparent, according to the Ocean City Gazette. They also want the city to stay within a reasonable range when setting salaries.

Patch file photo