New Township Administrator Announced Wednesday

After a three-month nationwide search, a former municipal administrator in Middlesex County has been chosen to become Wall’s next township administrator after a unanimous vote of the Township Committee at Wednesday’s meeting.

Jeffry L. Bertrand, former borough administrator in Sayreville, was chosen from a field of about 40 applicants from as far away as New Mexico, officials said.

Bertrand held the administrator position in that town of about 42,000 from 2003 to 2011. He was fired from Sayreville in January after Democrats gained a majority on the Borough Council, according to a local news outlet covering the town.

Bertrand holds a undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Kean University.

"I'm thrilled to be here and I'm very eager to get started,'' said Bertrand, who attended Wednesday's meeting. "I'm looking forward to working with all of you.''

Mayor Jeff Foster and Committeemen Todd Luttman, George Newberry and Clint Hoffman each congratulated Bertand and expressed their confidence in their selection. 

"I know you're going to do well here,'' Foster said. "Wall Township is the greatest place to live and raise a family. We all love it and we know you'll love it, too.''

Bertrand will be paid a $155,000 salary, according to his contract. In 2010, according to state records, Sayreville paid him $121,632. He will begin his duties May 21, officials said.

Bertrand also will receive an additional $7,000 a year when he and his family move to the township, bringing his pay to $162,000.  The township will pay $2,500 for moving expenses. Bertrand will also receive a 2-percent raise beginning in January, according to the terms of his contract.

Bertrand will be enrolled in the state pension system, and receive the same benefit package as all township employees, and also receive the same sick leave and vacation time. He will receive a sliding scale of paid holidays, beginning with 10 in 2012, according to the terms.

Bertand will take over for longtime administrator Joseph Verruni, who is retiring after 20 years in his position June 1.

"I have not come to this decision without considerable reflection," Verruni wrote in his December resignation letter. "The employees and professional staff I have had the privilege to serve with have made my job enjoyable and fulfilling.’’

Verruni, who earned in 2010 earned $179,656 according to state records, has worked in local government for more than 30 years, with stops in municipalities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey before coming to Wall.