EMERSON—The Borough Council approved an agreement with Strategic Municipal Advisors LLC, not to exceed $22,500 that hires a former local administrator part-time basis into October.
Officials told Pascack Press that they were likely to begin hiring soon to replace Rob Hermansen, who left in May.
Interim admin Richard Sheola was to begin work around Aug. 6. Hermansen served the borough for five and a half years.
A separation agreement was approved by council in early June — signed by Hermansen and Mayor Danielle DiPaola — that says that Hermansen was to receive a total of $27,834.35 for salary and wages, which included deductions for his health care contribution for three months through July.
Acting Borough Clerk Michelle Ryan told us that Hermansen’s starting salary was $120,000 and when he left the position in May, he was making $135,304.02.
He started in 2019.
The contract council approved notes the services Strategic Municipal Advisors LLC will provide through late October:
- Two partial days in office, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., totaling eight hours, likely Wednesday and Thursday.
- One day working remotely, not more than seven hours, from SMA offices
- Fee of $125 per hour; $25 via normal biweekly borough payroll and $100 directly to SMA
- Assignment anticipated to run from July 30 to mid/late October
- Consultant not available Sept. 24 through Oct. 7
- Council attendance not included; if needed, it will be charged at $175 per hour
Reached on Aug. 19, Mayor DiPaola told us, “We wish Mr. Hermansen nothing but the best and success in the future.”