MORRIS COUNTY —The Morris County Improvement Authority (MCIA) has voted unanimously to hire Matthew Jessup, of McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, as its new general counsel, bond counsel and energy counsel, effective June 1.
Jessup, who had served as a special MCIA consultant on its solar projects, replaces longtime counsel Stephen Pearlman, who recently resigned. The MCIA moved expeditiously to find a highly qualified replacement to ensure a smooth transition to handle key, ongoing projects.
“Matt Jessup is a well-qualified attorney with great integrity, and who also has experience with the MCIA and its solar projects, so he is an exceptional choice,’’ said Morris County Administrator John Bonanni, who is the chairman of the MCIA.
The Improvement Authority also is seeking a replacement for its energy consultant Gabel Associates, which also offered its resignation effective June 1. But Gabel has agreed to stay on for a short time until the MCIA finds a replacement.
Jessup received his law degree from the Villanova University School of Law, an M.B.A. from Villanova University and his B.B.A. degree in finance from George Washington University. He works primarily on a broad array of public finance transactions and redevelopment projects, representing many municipalities, counties, and utility and sewerage authority clients.
He was hired by the MCIA in 2014 to do a detailed review of the Authority’s solar/renewable energy projects.
Since the Improvement Authority was established by the Morris County Freeholders, it has been providing municipalities, school districts and the county itself with innovative and cost effective methods of funding projects and saving tax dollars at the same time. By using the MCIA and the county’s AAA Bond rating to finance projects, such as equipment and vehicle purchases and school and municipal construction, local officials have been able to cut costs and thereby and help reduce the property tax burden on residents.
For more information on the MCIA, click here.
For more information on the MCIA’s Renewable Energy Program, click here.
