PARSIPPANY — The back and forth between Parsippany’s Municipal Government and its Board of Education continues regarding the ongoing debate concerning Parsippany’s SRO and Security positions for the school district. After Parsippany’s Mayor and Council issued a press release stating that they propose keeping current terms of the SRO program in place for the new year, then move toward splitting the program’s true costs 50-50 after that…… the Board of Education is responding back.

The Board of Education’s attorney received the Township’s counterproposal at 3:33 p.m. on July 12, a mere two minutes prior to the publication of the Township’s press release. The Board has not had the opportunity to review the counter-proposal which includes terms and conditions that were not included in the Board’s original proposal to the Township.

The Board of Education offered to enter a one-year deal with the Township that eliminated the Director of Security position and spread the funding for that position, which had already been budgeted by the Board, across the remaining four SRO positions. To be clear, the Board has not had any difficulties with striking its budget. It has done so in a timely and responsible manner.

Rather than accepting that offer, which would allow the District to safely open its doors in September after what can only be described as an incredibly difficult year for students and staff alike, the Township seeks to bind the Board of Education to some unknown costs in the future years, costs over which the Board has no control.

The Board has already identified to the Township the incorrectness of their “back of the napkin” numbers provided in May as well as the “real” figures provided in June. The costs cited by the Township for the SROs do not accord with the salary ordinance or with the PBA contract. At no time has the Township requested anything other than what the Board is currently paying for the Class III officers, which is the entirety of their salary? The Board’s request for a one-year deal, until the real costs can be ascertained and negotiated, is wholly reasonable and responsible.

The Board has never, since the inception of this program, paid half of all costs associated with these positions. The costs cited by the Township, costs such as insurance, “allowances,” “training and equipment expenses,” overtime, longevity, and fringe benefits are costs that the Township incurs regardless of whether these officers are stationed in our schools or elsewhere. While the Board is not adverse to discussing an increase of a fixed amount for SROs, binding the Board to an agreement without specific discussions and negotiations over what is to be included in those costs, would be irresponsible. Shared service agreements are meant as just that; the Board’s contribution has always been to supplement, not supplant, the costs that the Township would otherwise expend for these positions.

The Township’s decision to negotiate this agreement via public sentiment places the district in the unfortunate position of having certain aspects of its security measures publicized.  The Township should agree to the one-year extension offered by the Board and negotiate in good faith over what costs should or will be included moving forward.

PARSIPPANY — Regarding the July 12, 2021 press release by the Parsippany Township Mayor and Administration concerning our counter-proposal to the Board of Education on the School Resource Program, it was not the Township Council’s intent to have the details of the proposal released to the public prior to the School Board and their Attorney having the opportunity to review the proposal and respond.

While the Township Council believes that a reasonable counter proposal was proffered to the School Board that fairly shares the funding for the School Resource and Special Law Enforcement Officers, the Township Council is disappointed that the Mayor and Business Administrator publicly released the details of the offer prematurely.

While the Township Council believes that a reasonable counter proposal was proffered to the School Board that fairly shares the funding for the School Resource and Special Law Enforcement Officers, the Township Council is disappointed that the Mayor and Business Administrator publicly released the details of the offer prematurely.

The Township Council looks forward to working with the School Board in a cooperative effort to reach an agreement on the SRO program that is acceptable to both parties.

(Click here to read press release)

PARSIPPANY — After a year of canceled and postponed events, The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is pleased to announce the return of summer concerts at Veterans Park.

While there will only be two performances this year, the Township is excited to bring back this staple outdoor summer celebration.

“This outdoor concert series brings us back to some normalcy,” said Joe Plescia, Superintendent of Parsippany’s Recreation Department. “It gets people back to the park and gets folks together with one another who they maybe haven’t seen in over a year in some cases. It’s just so important that people be reminded that they’re a part of this wonderful community.”

This Thursday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m, Parsippany welcomes Morris County favorites Street Hassle to Veterans Park, playing anything from classic rock to today’s hits, with a full horn section and an incredible live performance sure to get the audience up and dancing. These shows are sponsored by Provident Bank. “I know I’m not alone in thinking that this year’s Independence Day Concert and Fireworks was a long-overdue celebration that our town needed,” said Mayor Soriano. “I want our residents to be able to share in the joys of living here and to take pride in all of their ongoing efforts to keep themselves and their loved ones safe after a year and a half of uncertainty. We all knew this time would come, and it’s finally here.”

These shows will be presented at no expense to residents thanks to a sizeable donation from Provident Bank, a long-time supporter of the township’s outdoor concert series. “Provident has been involved for as long as I can remember,” said Plescia.

“We can’t thank them enough for their generous support over so many years, it’s really made a difference.” Concert-goers are encouraged to continue wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing their hands frequently, even if they have been vaccinated. Health officials across the country are still recommending with highly transmissible variants continuing to spread across the country that it’s on everyone to protect themselves even at outdoor festivities this summer.

“I think our township continues to show through the data that we’re exceeding expectations on responding to this pandemic,” said Mayor Soriano. “With vaccination rates hovering around 70% of eligible recipients, and with outbreaks of new cases continuing to remain low, Parsippany residents clearly take their health and safety seriously, and we all deserve to get back to enjoying life the way we’re accustomed.”

For more information on the summer concert series, please contact the Parsippany Recreation Department at Recreation@parsippany.net, or call (973) 263-7257.

PARSIPPANY — One of the most important responsibilities of the Mayor of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is to submit an annual budget to the Council. This typically occurs each year in late winter or early spring. So far this year, Mayor Michael Soriano has been derelict in his duty by refusing to provide the Council with a legal budget. Even the Democrats on the Council have checked their political hats at the door to lend a voice to his incompetence. The process is clear – the Mayor submits a budget to the Council and then the Council has a series of public budget meetings before making adjustments and adopting it. The budget process is usually completed by now.  But this year, it hasn’t even begun. This prompts a very important question, which I pose directly to Mayor Soriano. Where is your budget?

So far, Mayor Soriano has been attempting to blame the Council and others for what he is responsible for. That is not leadership! It is time for Soriano to do his job and submit a budget.

Based on the public documents I have reviewed, it appears that Parsippany is in financial trouble due to Soriano’s financial mismanagement. My review shows that Soriano has squandered approximately $16 Million of surplus in our utilities since he took office. No wonder Soriano increased water and sewer rates by 39%. That is outrageous! Imagine what Soriano’s tax increase could be?

Soriano’s team is deserting him. His business administrator suddenly resigned without explanation. His planning board attorney suddenly resigned. Our non-political CFO resigned and went to work for another town. The police Chief just abruptly “retired”.

Councilman dePierro’s advice to Parsippany’s first term Mayor hit the mark when he stated “If the Administration is looking for advice on areas to cut, I would recommend all of the new Administrative positions that have been created in the past three years. The salary, pension, and benefits of many of those positions exceed six figures.”

Soriano’s tact of governing by spin is wearing thin on Parsippany voters – and his inability to do the job is becoming more apparent every day. But first things first. Mayor Soriano, this is your fourth year in office.  Submit your budget and be man enough to own it.

This press release was submitted by James Barberio, Republican Candidate for Mayor

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). ASBO International recognizes districts that have met the program’s high standards for financial reporting and transparency. The school district earned the Certificate of Excellence for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended 2020.

“The COE’s mission is to promote and recognize excellence in financial reporting,” ASBO International Executive Director David Lewis says. “The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report informs stakeholders about the financial and economic state of the district, making it an important communications tool for building trust and engaging with the school community.”

By participating in the COE program, school districts demonstrate their commitment to financial transparency. Applicants submit their reports for review by a team of financial professionals who provide feedback to improve future documents. If the report meets the requirements of the program, it may receive the Certificate of Excellence. A district’s participation in the COE program can facilitate bond rating and continuing bond disclosure processes.

Alison Cogan, Board of Education Vice-President and Chairperson of the Finance Committee, acknowledged the award and stated, “This award confirms our District’s true commitment to being transparent with our finances and reporting.  It is an affirmation of the hard work put into carefully balancing the needs of our students, facilities, and taxpayers while maintaining the high educational standards our community expects.”