Report: Judge Halts Donovan's Stripping of Utility Commissioners

Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan's firing of seven part-time utility commissioners over salaries and benefits has hit a temporary roadblock, according to a report on northjersey.com.

Citing Governor Chris Christie's as good law, Bergen County's top administrator to the majority of the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority commissioners two weeks ago. Seven of nine commissioners had been receiving a yearly $5,000 stipend along with health benefits and refused to forgo them, she alleged.

Last week the challenging the legality of her sweep of the utility board.

Northjersey.com reported Thursday that a county superior court justice "temporarily" blocked Donovan's action, keeping the benefits and salaries for the fired commissioners intact as "harm" could be done.

The NBCUA oversees wastewater collection and treatment for northwest Bergen towns, and monitors 31 miles of sewer lines throughout the area. The organization serves Wyckoff and nine surrounding towns, including Franklin Lakes, Ramsey, Mahwah and a portion of Ridgewood.