Schultz ends tenure as Holmdel administrator
Cites commute in leaving five-year post
BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent
In what he describes as a "risky move," Holmdel Township Administrator Christopher Schultz will become the new township manager in Moorestown on Jan. 2.

"To me this is a risky move. I am very stable here and could have spent a long time in Holmdel," Schultz said. "But at the same time, I did not want to look back in 20 years and have regrets that I did not take an opportunity that I should have." According to Schultz, the main reason for leaving his post with the township is the approximately 90-minute commute from his home in Medford Lakes, Burlington County.

"In 2002, the commute was about one hour. Now it is at least an hour and a half with all the traffic, lights and construction," he explained.

Schultz also cited the form of government in Moorestown.

"It is council manager and considered a more desirable goal with more control to the manager," he said.

And while Shultz will have to attend a total of eight meetings each month at his new post, he says that he will actually be able to enjoy dinners with his family between meetings. "This is strictly a quality-of-life decision," Schultz added.

According to Schultz, Moorestown has a population of roughly 20,000 residents and is a very affluent and diverse community with good schools.

"There have only been two managers in Moorestown since 1967, so I have very big shoes to fill. The current manager is retiring after serving for 23 years," Schultz said.

Reflecting on his accomplishments during his five-year tenure in Holmdel, Schultz listed: increased responsiveness to residents' concerns; the restructuring of parks and recreation to include a new park maintenance division; completion of Roggy Field; and technological improvements such as a more interactive township Web site; a cost-saving consolidation of the telephone system; and an electronic funds transfer program for sewer and tax payments.

"The governing body has always supported my recommendations, and I feel I took the township from one level to another," Schultz said.

"Chris brought the township into the 21st century and changed some processes and procedures that were antiquated," Holmdel Mayor Serena Di- Maso said. "Our budget process is much more detailed now."

As for her reaction to Schultz's departure, DiMaso explained that she was surprised.

"Most people were taken by surprise, as I was. I never thought he would leave. That is just a testament to the wonderful job he did, and I can only hope there is someone else like Chris out there to continue the success," she stated.

In Holmdel, Schultz managed a budget of $24 million and a staff of 130. In Moorestown, he will manage a staff of 160 and a budget that he estimated to be $10 million higher.

Schultz referenced several issues that Moorestown is dealing with.

"They are in the midst of a tax revaluation. I was involved with that issue in Holmdel," Schultz said. He also mentioned that the governing body is considering whether to refurbish the municipal facility or to build a new one.

"When I was town manager in Hainesport, we decided to build a new town hall. The project was successfully completed on time and under budget," Schultz stated. He also cited the stabilization of taxes.

"All municipalities have challenges with the tax-levy-cap law and the performance measurement law, which is tied to funding," he said.

Schultz's last official day in Holmdel will be Jan. 1, the day the new township committee will reorganize.

"I will miss the great support I had here. While I certainly could have seen myself staying for a very long time, I am looking forward to the new opportunity with reserved excitement," Schultz said, adding, "Holmdel will be fine."