In Surprise Move, Colts Neck Lays Off Its Public Works Staff

COLTS NECK, NJ — When they showed up for work at 7 a.m. Thursday morning, Jan. 10, the majority of Colts Neck Township's public works staff were notified they had been laid off, effective immediately, the Asbury Park Press reported.

These are the men and women who pick up Colts Neck's trash, recycling, curbside brush and Christmas trees, and also do snow removal. Police officers served them their notices this morning. They were laid off because Colts Neck is entering a shared-services agreement with Monmouth County for trash and recycling pickup.

CWA Local 1075 President Kevin Tauro confirmed the news to the Asbury Park Press today. That union represents the Twp.'s public works staff. There are 10 Colts Neck public works employees in total; nine of them were notified this morning they had been fired and needed to clean out their lockers, according to the article.

It was not clear why that tenth public works employee was allowed to keep his job.

The news was confirmed by Colts Neck administrator Kathleen Capristo. She said that on Wednesday night, the Colts Neck Township Committee approved a reorganization plan that relies on shared services with Monmouth County and the Colts Neck school system for garbage pick-up and snow removal.

Capristo did not say how much Colts Neck Twp. would be saving in the consolidation.

The employees will receive pay and benefits through the end of the month and up to eight weeks of severance, according to the article.

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