SPARTA, NJ — With the recent announcement of the township manager’s retirement on April 1 Sparta Township Council named Chief Neil Spidaletto to be Acting Township Manager. Sparta CFO Grant Rome will continue as Deputy Township Manager.

“I think this is a phenomenal team that will balance each other and will serve Sparta well during our transition,” Mayor Christine Quinn said.

As of now the township council members and staff will be “focused on a smooth transition,” according to Quinn. A timeline for doing a search for a permanent township manager has yet to be determined as well as compensation for Spidaletto’s expanded role with the township.

“We will continue to evaluate how well this team is working,” Quinn said adding they reevaluate plans for a permanent placement once they have gotten through the transition.

Spidaletto, who holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Seton Hall, said he will not be relinquishing any of his duties as Chief of Police, overseeing approximately 60 staff members in the department.

“I will also be relying on the expertise of the municipal office staff,” Spidaletto said explaining how he will divide his attentions. 

This dual assignment will also save the township taxpayers as Spidaletto is already receiving health benefits and pension contribution according to Quinn.

“They [Spidaletto and Rome] really stepped up, which says a lot about their commitment to the community,” Quinn said.

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