TOMS RIVER, NJ — A growing political battle inside Toms River Township government is now headed toward a possible courtroom showdown after Mayor Dan Rodrick vowed to challenge what he says are illegal healthcare benefits being provided to politically appointed members of the Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority.
The dispute intensified after four members of the Toms River Township Council voted against an ordinance to eliminate taxpayer-funded health insurance benefits for MUA commissioners. Rodrick says the benefits violate township ordinance and state law and has pledged to pursue legal action if the council refuses to reverse course.
According to Rodrick, a longstanding township ordinance caps the “total compensation” for MUA commissioners at $2,000 annually. However, the Toms River MUA’s 2026 budget shows several commissioners receiving health insurance packages valued at roughly $50,000 per year for attending one meeting per month, meetings that often last less than an hour.
“These people are making over $6,000 per hour and are the highest paid public officials in the entire state,” Rodrick said. “They show up for 30 minutes per month and get free ratepayer and taxpayer-funded benefits for their entire family. Not only is this unethical, but it’s also illegal.”
Ordinance Language at Center of Dispute
Rodrick argues the key issue centers on the phrase “total compensation” contained in township ordinance language governing the authority.
The ordinance states:
“Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:14B-4, the TRMUA shall consist of five members appointed by Township Council. Each member shall receive compensation not to exceed $2,000 in any one year for services as a member of the Authority; provided, however, that in the event that any member of the Authority is or shall also be appointed an officer, agent or employee of the Authority, then such member shall, in addition to such $2,000, receive such compensation for such member’s services as such officer, agent or employee as the Authority may determine.”
Rodrick contends the health insurance benefits fall under the definition of compensation and therefore exceed the legal cap established under township code.
He also pointed to policies enacted during former Governor Chris Christie’s administration that limited public healthcare benefits for members of municipal boards and commissions. According to Rodrick, only Toms River and Lakewood continue to provide such benefits among municipal utility authorities in Ocean County.
“It’s clearly illegal, and it’s clear that these council members are ignoring the law so their friends and family members on the MUA can continue getting free healthcare paid for by everyone else in Toms River,” Rodrick said.
Political Tensions Escalate
The controversy has become deeply intertwined with broader political battles inside Toms River.
One commissioner singled out by Rodrick is Phil Brilliant, an environmental services business owner and former leader of a failed recall effort against the mayor. Brilliant was originally appointed to the authority by former Mayor Mo Hill.
Rodrick also criticized Brilliant’s public opposition campaign, accusing him of operating anti-Rodrick social media pages that attack the mayor’s efforts to reduce government spending and dismantle what he describes as entrenched political patronage systems.
Since taking office, Rodrick has pushed an aggressive anti-spending platform that he says has kept township taxes flat while targeting what he considers wasteful government spending and politically connected contracts.
Not everyone in town has embraced those efforts.
Key Points
- Mayor Dan Rodrick says Toms River MUA healthcare benefits violate township ordinance.
- MUA commissioners reportedly receive health plans worth roughly $50,000 annually.
- Township ordinance caps commissioner compensation at $2,000 per year.
- Four council members voted against eliminating the healthcare benefits.
- Rodrick has threatened legal action if the benefits are not terminated.
- The dispute has intensified broader political tensions inside Toms River government.
Rodrick claims former political allies, contractors, and development interests removed during his administration are attempting to regain influence within township government. He specifically referenced former Mayor Mo Hill, former Councilman Kevin Geoghegan, and development interests upset over his opposition to large-scale construction projects in Toms River.
The township is currently pursuing legal action against Geoghegan, the former head of Silverton First Aid, over allegations involving fuel usage and reimbursement disputes tied to medical dispatch services.
Council Vote Sparks Retaliation Claims
The political fight escalated further last week when council members David Ciccozzi, Tom Nivison, Robert Bianchini, and Clinton Bradley voted against the ordinance that would have ended the healthcare benefits.
In response, Rodrick vetoed a separate ordinance that would have stripped the mayor of access to a township-owned vehicle.
Rodrick defended his use of the vehicle, noting that previous mayors also had township cars and that the vehicle he drives is a six-year-old township-owned car that had previously sat unused in a parking garage.
“As mayor, he is on call 24 hours per day and 7 days per week,” Rodrick said, arguing the vehicle is justified given the demands of the office.
Rodrick said he would consider giving up the township vehicle once the council ends what he estimates are more than $250,000 annually in healthcare benefits for MUA commissioners.
“It has to end,” Rodrick said. “Every person in Toms River who works needs to work a full-time job to get healthcare benefits from their job. There’s no reason these folks should be paid $6,000 an hour. It’s beyond absurd that they would continue to fight me on this.”
