Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande issued the following statement on reports that Loch Arbour, with a population of roughly 200 people, will hold a special meeting on a $700,000 severance package due to the municipal clerk if the borough should merge.

“Loch Arbour is one of the smallest villages in New Jersey with the highest average property tax bill in the state. Every time we read about another insanely inflated golden parachute, it is a reminder why we need to reform sick pay,” Casagrande said. “This practice will increase property taxes in a borough where the average bill exceeds $20,000 per year.”

Casagrande and several Assembly Republicans sponsor A-2495 that would eliminate the practice of paying public employees for unused sick time and other reforms such as requiring documentation for use of sick leave. The package approved in Loch Arbour included severance pay and $66,000 for unused sick and vacation time to an employee who holds two public jobs.

“Sick leave is for when you’re sick,” Casagrande said. “Property taxpayers cannot afford these exorbitant payouts.”
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