Roselle Sewage Authority Compensation Ordinance 2026

The Roselle Borough Council introduced an ordinance on first reading Wednesday night that would increase compensation for members of the Linden-Roselle Sewage Authority. Three voting members were present at the session, along with Mayor Donald Shaw.

The ordinance amends the authority's bylaws to set maximum compensation at $1,500 for the chairman and $1,000 for other members. Current compensation stands at $400 for the chairman and $300 for all other members. The municipality of Linden previously passed the ordinance, and Linden's members of the authority approved it.

The ordinance passed on a 2-1 vote, with Councilwoman At-Large Cynthia Johnson casting the dissenting vote. Johnson stated her concern was not the dollar amount of the increase but rather the structure of the authority's membership. "My question and my concern is that we are asking for a $1,000 increase and I have no issue with that. My whole concern is what is an alternate and what is a permanent member," Johnson said.

Business Administrator Denise Wilkerson, who serves as the alternate member of the Linden-Roselle Sewage Authority, responded to Johnson's question. Mayor Donald Shaw is also a member of the authority. Wilkerson explained the role of an alternate: "We have had this alternate in place for many, many years. As an alternate, you cannot not be aware of something and then step in and vote. You have to maintain the knowledge of all the projects that come through so that you are in a position to fill in. It is almost like an acting understudy, where you have to know the lines, practice the lines."

Separately, the council's 2026 fiscal year budget remains unapproved. Roselle could be subject to state fines if the fiscal legislation remains unresolved. Wilkerson addressed the delay at Wednesday's meeting: "No one wants to do a budget later than you are guided to do, but it does happen. This is not the first time, and this is not the latest that we have passed a budget. The important part for us is to do what we can reduce, to clean up, put us on a strong foundation, and reduce where we can. That is kind of what is taking so long."

The borough passed its budget in August 2023 and did not approve one until early October 2024. The next council workshop meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2026. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2026. Union County Life covers Roselle government decisions, budget updates, and municipal announcements. Stay informed about Roselle news and announcements on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What compensation increase did Roselle Borough Council advance?
A: The council introduced an ordinance on first reading increasing Linden-Roselle Sewage Authority compensation. Chairman compensation would rise from $400 to $1,500. Other members would rise from $300 to $1,000.

Q: How did the council vote on the sewage authority ordinance?
A: The ordinance passed on a 2-1 vote. Councilwoman At-Large Cynthia Johnson cast the dissenting vote, citing concerns about authority membership structure rather than the dollar amount of the increase.

Q: Why did Cynthia Johnson oppose the ordinance?
A: Johnson's concern was about the structure of the authority's membership, specifically the distinction between alternate members and permanent members, rather than the proposed compensation amount.

Q: Who are the Linden-Roselle Sewage Authority members from Roselle?
A: Mayor Donald Shaw is a member of the authority. Business Administrator Denise Wilkerson serves as the alternate member.

Q: What is an alternate member's role on the sewage authority?
A: According to Business Administrator Wilkerson, an alternate must maintain knowledge of all projects that come before the authority so they can step in and vote if needed. She compared it to an acting understudy role, requiring knowledge of all matters.

Q: What is the status of Roselle's 2026 budget?
A: The 2026 fiscal year budget remains unapproved. Roselle could face state fines if budget approval is not finalized. The borough passed its budget in August 2023 and did not approve its 2024 budget until early October 2024.

Q: When is the next Roselle Borough Council meeting?
A: The next council workshop meeting is September 9, 2026. The next regular council meeting is September 16, 2026.