TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MOVES TO OUST ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER, CONTRACT OUT SERVICE TO NEWARK FIRM

The Township Committee on Tuesday took the first step toward contracting out the Township's animal control services to a Newark firm, a move that is expected to eliminate the post now held by Animal Control Officer Debbie Hadu.

The TC voted, 4-1, to approve a resolution that would contract out the service with Newark-based Associated Humane Societies. TC Member Jerry Ryan was the lone opposition vote.

Associated has been providing ad hoc holding services for the Township since February 2014 after the JAC Shelter in South Orange was shutdown on health code violations.

But under the proposed new agreement, Associated would provide full service of animal control outreach now provided by Hadu, and sheltering of animals, as well as health services, according to Associated assistant executive director Scott Crawford, who addressed the Township Tuesday.  He said the proposed agreement would cost the Township $41,000 per year.

Hadu's salary as of 2013 was $38,000, according to state records.

Prior to the vote, several residents came out in support of Hadu, urging the TC not to contract out the service.

See their comments below:


 
Hadu also addressed the governing body, urging them to find an alternative and saying she had submitted a plan to work with South Orange to help create a new animal hold program.

Township officials stressed that the resolution was not a contract with Associated, noting that such a legal agreement would still have to be approved.