Paterson Lawmakers Censure Mayor Over Hurricane Irene Overtime Pay
PATERSON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- 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.
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