TOWNSHIP'S $2,400 STAFF PICNIC

Most Maplewood town offices, except police, fire and other essential services, will close early on Friday at 1 p.m. for the 10th annual employee appreciation picnic.

The annual event is slated for the Maplewood Pool, but will be indoors at the De Hart Center if rain hits, according to Township Administrator Joe Manning.

It will also cost the township $20 per head for food, drink and a D.J. With about 120 employees taking part, that means a $2,400 price tag.

Is this a good use of our tax dollars when property taxes are going up and we are trying to cut costs or is it right to give hard-working employees a treat once a year?

Just thought you'd want to know.