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New Ridgewood manager to oversee Parking Utility to prevent future thefts

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New Ridgewood manager to oversee Parking Utility to prevent future thefts

APRIL 2, 2014, 9:39 PM    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2014, 9:39 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — The new village manager said she would temporarily oversee the Parking Utility to protect future thefts of money after an employee stole nearly half-million dollars in coins over two years.

Roberta Sonenfeld also called for “independent reviews of each of the areas where we accept cash and checks to insure proper controls are in place.”

The move comes after Thomas Rica admitted last month sneaking handfuls of quarters out of the parking meter coin storage room. Rica, who was working as the village’s public works inspector, did not have authorization to be in the room, but carried a master key because of his job duties. He was later fired and struck a plea deal last month with prosecutors that will see him repay the entire amount — $460,000 — in monthly increments of at least $2,000.

Rica will be sentenced in June to five year’s probation, under the terms of the deal; he will avoid serving any prison time.

Sonenfeld, who started as village manager earlier this week, told the village council at its meeting Wednesday night a forensic review of Ridgewood’s financials should occur soon.

An independent review, analyzing the way the village manages its parking meter revenues, will also be undertaken, she added.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/new-ridgewood-manager-to-oversee-parking-utility-to-prevent-future-thefts-1.840084#sthash.pfY3khAv.dpuf

2 thoughts on “New Ridgewood manager to oversee Parking Utility to prevent future thefts

  1. Unless the coin collection process is significantly changed, there will be no assurance that money deposited in meters makes it to the Village’s bank account.

  2. have the coins go right to the bank after they pick them up.

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