Salary Cut for West Deptford Township Committee Members Passes 5-0

West Deptford’s distinction as being the highest-paid governing body in Gloucester County is over.

members made a sizeable pay cut official Thursday night, unanimously approving a move to reduce their pay to $5,000 across the board with the second reading of an amended salary ordinance.

The cuts, which will save $24,500 annually, represent a 57 percent cut of the mayor’s salary, which was formerly $11,500 per year, and a 47 percent cut for township committee members, who previously made $9,500.

Mayor Ray Chintall called it a symbolic move aimed at showing the committee’s commitment to doing things differently.

“If we’re asking everybody to make sacrifices, the least we can do is reduce our salary,” he said.

The finalized ordinance comes two months after Democrat Denice DiCarlo floated the initial amendment cutting the committee’s pay, citing the township’s high pay compared to the rest of the county.

“We need to give a little bit of relief to the taxpayers,” she said when introducing the amended ordinance.

The move was met with applause and kudos from members of the public.

John Schmidt, a government watchdog who has hounded the township in recent months over concerns about financial disclosure documents, among others, took a break from criticism and hailed the committee for the cuts.

“I think you should email every single town surrounding you and challenge them to do the same thing you did,” Schmidt said. “You should be looked at as an example.”

Ken Vogt likewise lauded the committee members for their unanimous approval.

“I know it’s not a lot of money, but it certainly shows your heart’s in the right place as far as controlling expenditures,” he said.

Chintall and committeeman Sam Cianfarini are going a step farther, finalizing plans to put together a pair of scholarships for students using their township salaries.

Cianfarini has already put together what will be a $1,000 annual scholarship, and has asked teachers, administrators and coaches at the high school to nominate students who show leadership at any level. Those students will have to write an essay, and Cianfarini will choose from the top 10 essays submitted for the scholarship.

“It does make me feel very good to be able to be in a position where I can reward what I feel is leadership,” he said.

Chintall is still finalizing the details of his scholarship with high school officials, but said he intends for it to focus on ethics and character.

“The character of a person determines your future,” he said.