Council Blocks Irene Overtime Pay in Paterson
Mayor calls council proceeding "a kangaroo court"
Thursday, Oct 27, 2011 | Updated 8:07 AM EDT
AP
Paterson was among the hardest hit areas in New Jersey.
The Paterson City Council has censured Mayor Jeffery Jones for refusing to testify about why he and top salaried officials received nearly $51,000 in overtime following Hurricane Irene.
The Record reports that the council has also temporarily blocked $207,000 in overtime pay for employees related to Tropical Storm Lee pending a review.
The state Community Affairs Department, which oversees Paterson's budget, ordered Jones and top officials to return the $51,000, which they did. As salaried employees, they're not eligible for overtime.
Jones refused to testify on Oct. 12 after the council wouldn't delay its hearing to give him more time respond to a request for payroll record, calling the proceeding "a kangaroo court.''
He now says he's concerned the continuing arguments will discourage new business from investing in Paterson.
