West Orange Town Business Admin Resigns Amid Stormy Budget Season

WEST ORANGE, NJ — One of the most tumultuous budget seasons in recent West Orange history has taken another twist with the resignation – and subsequent reappointment – of John Gross.

According to Mayor Susan McCartney, Gross resigned from his post as the municipal business administrator, effective Thursday. He will continue to serve as the township’s tenured chief financial officer.

McCartney said she is appointing Gross as her chief of staff, and he’s agreed to take on the task – without extra compensation.

Read McCartney’s full announcement and catch up with some recent budget stories in West Orange below.

• See Related: Some West Orange Residents Are Fuming Over 16% Proposed Tax Hike
• See Related: Frustrations Over West Orange Budget Broil At Council Meeting
• See Related: 3 Ways To Reduce A Looming Tax Hike In West Orange
• See Related: Budget Debate Continues In West Orange: Why The Sudden Increase?

MAYOR: 'NO ADDITIONAL TAX BURDEN'

“Effective June 1, 2023, John O. Gross has resigned as Business Administrator. He will continue to serve as the Township's tenured Chief Financial Officer. Pursuant to the Township Ordinance §2-2.2(d), I will assume and undertake the role and responsibilities of Acting Business Administrator. I want to thank Mr. Gross for his leadership and acknowledge his significant accomplishments during his time as Business Administrator.

“Mr. Gross became Business Administrator on January 1, 2021 after John K. Sayers retired after serving in that capacity with grace and integrity for 20 years. Due to Mr. Sayers’ health issues, especially during the COVID emergency, Mr. Gross and Chief Abbott stepped up to lead the Township during this difficult period.

“I have also decided that due to his vast experience and knowledge that I will designate, and hereby appoint Mr. John O. Gross as my Chief of Staff. In that role, he will communicate on my behalf, on a day-to-day basis, with Township employees, supervisors, and their department Directors. As he did as Business Administrator, Mr. Gross has agreed to perform without compensation as my Chief of Staff, adding no additional tax burden to the Township's budget.

“I continue to be confident in Mr. Gross’s efficient and effective execution of his roles and responsibilities. He is selfless, always available on a 24/7 basis, working 60 to 80 hours per week. He communicates with employees and the public in a professional manner. He is a certified Municipal Finance Officer pursuant to the Guidelines of the Division of the Local Government Services of the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs.

“Recently, it was brought to my attention that the Faulkner Act does not allow the Business Administrator to perform certain ‘control function[s].' N.J.S.A. 40:69A-48. Thus, the Faulkner Act does not prohibit the Chief Financial Officer from serving as Business Administrator if the specified control functions are performed by other officials. More importantly, West Orange’s ‘control functions’ are capably performed by our Purchasing Agent and the recently hired Deputy Finance Officer.

“As soon as this was brought to my attention, I sought the advice of special counsel, with 30 years of government experience, who presented a simple mechanism to revise the ordinances. Under the proposed amendments, the Comptroller would report directly to the Mayor. The Township Council declined to consider the proposed amendment at its May 16, 2023 meeting.

“Again, the adjustment of responsibilities herein is consistent with the Faulkner Act and prudent in light of the current personnel/management. I will serve as Acting Business Administrator for the next 60 days during which I will evaluate the appropriate course in light of all facts and circumstances.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page.