JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township is aware of the lawsuit recently filed by Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson and is currently reviewing the allegations in detail. While we do not comment on active litigation, we want to assure our residents that the Township is committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and full compliance with all applicable laws, including the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), and local ordinances.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) referenced in the complaint was negotiated and approved in accordance with all legal standards and with the approval of our governing body at a public meeting. At every step, Jefferson Township acted in what it believes to be the best interest of its employees and residents. Any claims suggesting that the process was conducted improperly or in secrecy are categorically denied.
As for allegations surrounding employee compensation, the Township regularly reviews its salary ordinance to ensure it aligns with evolving operational needs and contractual obligations. If any discrepancies exist between salary ordinance caps and current compensation, the Township has and will take appropriate measures to address them through proper administrative or legislative action.
I have complete faith in our Township Business Administrator, Debra Millikin, that all laws, ordinances, and procedures were followed correctly.
Regarding OPRA requests, the Township and its Clerk’s Office have worked diligently to comply within the bounds of the law.
As Mayor, I recognize that public trust is essential and take all concerns from our community seriously. My administration will continue to operate with transparency and accountability while vigorously defending against claims we believe are inaccurate or mischaracterized. I think it is important to note that, as indicated in the lawsuit documents, the group that filed this matter has requested to remain anonymous as they claim to “face a real and credible threat of political retaliation.” I believe this civil action is politically motivated, an attempt to embarrass me and my administration for future political ambitions. I find it ironic that a group of supposed “Concerned Citizens” who claim to be concerned about fiscal accountability and transparency would go to the extreme of filing a civil lawsuit, which will incur significant legal fees, only to use taxpayer dollars to defend and then request anonymity. To date, no one has brought any of these alleged issues to my attention in an attempt to remedy them first.
I would respectfully ask our community to refrain from drawing a conclusion based solely on one side of an alleged issue or based on what you might read on social media.
We appreciate the community’s engagement and will provide further updates concerning this matter as permitted through the legal process.
