Borough will need new administrator

Phil Del Turco announces resignation.

By: Scott Morgan
   HIGHTSTOWN — Monday evening’s Borough Council meeting marked the end of a short era in Hightstown. Borough Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Phil Del Turco announced his resignation at what was his final council meeting.
   The borough hired Mr. Del Turco last November after a year of seeking a permanent replacement for former CFO John Kennedy. Mr. Del Turco took the full-time reigns from Jack Doherty, who had filled in as interim administrator and CFO.
   Borough Treasurer Arlene O’Rourke will temporarily fill in for Mr. Del Turco, beginning Aug. 26, until the borough finds a permanent replacement. Mr. Del Turco’s last day is expected to be Aug. 21.
   Finding a new administrator and CFO will take some looking, admits Councilman Mike Vanderbeck. "Whoever we get has a daunting task in front of them," he said.
   The Borough Council had been openly pleased with Mr. Del Turco, whom it credited with having fixed several budgetary problems. But challenges remain, said both Mr. Vanderbeck and Mr. Del Turco. With the borough’s looming tax issues (the familiar plight of having Mercer County’s highest property tax rate plus the coming pressure of what to do with surplus money and the impact of revitalization and school expansion), Mr. Vanderbeck said the next administrator/CFO will face plenty of challenges. He added that the council is considering whether a full-time or part-time replacement will prove the better option.
   The notoriously credit-shy Mr. Del Turco said he has been honored to work with the borough and credited in his letter of resignation those with whom he has worked for the past nine months.
   "Managers are only as good as the personnel that they work with," the letter said.
   Mr. Del Turco has accepted a full-time position as chief financial officer of Manalapan Township.