The third major scandal involving the Montclair Fire Department (MFD) in the early days of the Spiller administration relates to the shared fire services agreement with the Borough of Glen Ridge. In the September 28, 2022 contentious council meeting, the Glen Ridge Fire Services Contract was approved in a split vote.
Per the Local’s September 29, 2022 report, the CFO (Padmaja Rao) provided three different models to determine a fair price for the fire services provided by Montclair to Glen Ridge. One model is based upon a percentage of taxable properties, the second is based upon the town’s respective populations, and the third and lowest, on the number of calls. Rather than negotiate based upon sound financial analysis and protect the taxpayers of Montclair, Spiller negotiated the contract based upon an analysis performed by the MFD, lead by Chief Herrmann.
Montclair Provides Shared Fire Services to Glen Ridge for Two Decades
The MFD had evidently been schooled by Spiller to believe that union jobs would be at risk should Glen Ridge reject the contract. Montclair has provided fire services to the Borough of Glen Ridge since 2003. The size of the Montclair Fire Department encompassing facilities, equipment and staffing are all based upon providing fire services to the Borough of Glen Ridge and the Borough should pay its fair share. Spiller’s failure to recognize this and low ball the contract for less than the services cost the taxpayers of Montclair shows he is financially illiterate and ultimately cost the residents of Montclair over $20,000,000 over the term of the contract.
This MFD issue transpired during former Chief Herrmann’s tenure. He was forced to retire in March 2024.
Montclair Progressive or Corrupt 