JEFFERSON — Morris County Superior Court Dismisses Lawsuit Filed by Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson.
The legal battle between the nonprofit group Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson and the Township of Jefferson has come to a definitive end. On Friday, August 22, 2025, the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Morris County, issued a Final Judgment of Dismissal in the matter docketed as MRS-L-001085-25.
The ruling, signed by Hon. Stuart A. Minkowitz, A.J.S.C., officially denied the Order to Show Cause and granted the Township’s motion for dismissal, effectively closing the case and rendering all pending motions moot.
Background of the Case
The lawsuit, originally filed earlier this year, alleged multiple violations tied to Jefferson Township’s adoption of the 2025–2028 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for white-collar employees. Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson claimed that the Township had:
- Implemented the CBA without properly adhering to Ordinance #21-25, the Township’s salary ordinance.
- Approved salaries for employees, including Business Administrator Debra Milliken at $163,000 and Police Chief Paul Castimore at $226,376, that exceeded salary caps set by ordinance.
- Failed to provide timely public access to the CBA despite formal Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests.
- Violated the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) by adopting resolutions without proper notice or supporting documentation.
The complaint named the Township of Jefferson, Business Administrator Debra Milliken, and Municipal Clerk Michele Reilly as defendants.
Court’s Decision
After months of review, Judge Minkowitz determined that the claims did not warrant further action and dismissed the case in its entirety. The judgment, signed and filed on August 22, 2025, ends the legal challenge under this docket number.
While the specifics of the court’s reasoning were not detailed in the dismissal, the ruling underscores the weight courts place on procedural requirements and adherence to legal standards in civil litigation.
Closing the Record
With the dismissal granted, the matter is now considered resolved, ensuring no further litigation will proceed under this case. For Jefferson Township officials, the outcome closes a chapter of scrutiny over transparency and salary law compliance. For Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson, the dismissal marks the end of their effort to legally challenge the Township’s handling of employee agreements.
