BY JOHN DUNPHY
Staff Writer
SOUTH RIVER — The borough has welcomed Joseph Kunz to the fold as its new business administrator.
Kunz, appointed by the Borough Council June 28, replaces Michael Jacobs, who left the position in April to become the township business administrator in Old Bridge.
A native of Midland Park, Bergen County, Kunz, 35, now lives in Fair Lawn. He previously worked as chief financial officer for Union City. He was originally hired by the borough of South River to work as its utility supervisor in April. However, Mayor Robert Szegeti said it was expected that Kunz would become the business administrator.
"At the time, we knew Mr. Jacobs was leaving," Szegeti said.
Kunz was hired at an annual salary of $73,000.
"Based on who we interviewed, we felt he was best suited for the position," said council President David Sliker.
A certified municipal finance officer who just recently finished work toward a master’s degree in public administration, Kunz is the third person to hold the position in as many years. Jacobs held the position for 15 months, while his predecessor, Brian Valentino, was business administrator for two years before moving on in February 2003.
"We have a certain amount of money for administrators [in South River]," Szegeti said when asked about the high turnover rate. "This is a stepping stone and they have the knowledge that allows them to move up the ladder to larger communities."
Kunz said he welcomes the opportunity.
"I like [South River]," he said. "It’s a nice, smaller town. I like the challenge of the position, the utilities and the interaction between the utilities of the town and the budget."
Despite his role in Old Bridge, Jacobs still works with the borough, particularly helping Kunz adjust to the position.
"I’m still learning a lot about the town," Kunz said.
"It’s a learning curve," Szegeti added. "Even though we’re considered a small town, we’re an active community."