By PETE WALTON
Neptune City will have a new borough administrator as of Jan. 1.
Henry Underhill is coming over from Hightstown, where he has served as borough administrator since February of 2014.
Mayor Bob Brown noted that both Neptune City and Hightstown have small government structures which require multitasking.
“He’s going to fit in very well,” Brown said. “I’m looking forward to working with him. He brings a lot of knowledge and experience.”
Underhill has worked for New Jersey municipalities since 1979. He was the township manager of Scotch Plains before going to Hightstown.
Former Scotch Plains Councilman and 2015 state Assembly candidate William “Bo” Vastine had high praise for Neptune City’s new administrator.
“In the time that Henry Underhill has been here he has endured two mayors, a hurricane, the removal of 12 town providers and the budget process,” Vastine said at the time. “His knowledge and demeanor will be sorely missed.”
Underhill replaces former borough administrator Joel Popkin, who has been serving in the post on an interim basis until a new administrator could be hired. Administrator Mary Sapp retired earlier this year.
“Joel Popkin is an exceptional administrator,” the mayor said. “He became a very, very dear friend to me. He is filled with so much knowledge. I’ve learned so much from him. I was very happy when he decided to come back and work until we could hire a new administrator.”
Popkin retired six years ago after serving 25 years in the post. He returned on a temporary basis in April.
