Politics & Government

Brick Government Reorganization Plan Up for Vote This Week

Number of departments will be reduced, leading to 'leaner' government, mayor says

A reorganization of municipal offices that Mayor John Ducey says will reduce the size of government in Brick will be up for a final vote at a council meeting this week.

"We're making government leaner and reducing its size," said Ducey, explaining his plan to eliminate the Department of Land Use and Community Development and roll its duties into the administration department.

That will bring the number of departments within Brick's municipal government to five, from six previously, said Ducey, and is part of a larger reorganization plan.

As part of the wider plan, the office of senior services will move from the Recreation Department into administration, and the Parks department will be rolled into Public Works.

The ordinance will also eliminate several job titles, including a director level position at Land Use and Community Development, and deputy director positions in the Department of Law and the Department of Recreation.

The positions are currently unfilled, though until he was dismissed by Ducey in January, Juan Bellu served in the Land Use and Community Development role. Bellu, appointed by former mayor Stephen C. Acropolis, is now engaged in a legal battle with the township over his termination.

Ducey said the reorganization plan – which succumbed to a political tug-of-war while Acropolis was still mayor but the council was controlled by Democrats – will lead to a better delivery of services and, in some cases, monetary savings through reduced salaries.

Domenick Brando, a former council member who is running again this November, said he disagreed with the plan and predicted it could lead to new positions being created as divisions are rolled into existing departments. He said overall, the move will make government larger.

Despite some opposition from Republicans, who currently hold no seats on the governing body, the plan is expected to pass easily at a council meeting set for Tuesday.

A public hearing on the plan will be held before a vote is taken. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at the township municipal complex.


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