Atlantic City will be getting new oversight.
Business Administrator Jason Holt and state monitor Rick Richardella are both slated to leave the resort, BreakingAC has learned.
Richardella — who replaced monitor Ed Sasdelli three years ago — is being transferred to Trenton to help the Department of Community Affairs’ efforts to encourage municipalities sharing services, spokeswoman Lisa Ryan said.
It was unclear exactly why Holt is leaving, except an indication that the job will go in a new direction.
“We are reconceptualizing the business administrator position in light of the changes and opportunities in the city,” Ryan said. “(We) believe this reconceptualization will help keep the momentum going. We look forward to building on Atlantic City’s current renewal with Jason’s eventual successor.”
City Council President Marty Small said he learned of the move last week, but could not say why it was made.
"This is a loss for the city of Atlantic City," he said. "Jason and Rick helped shepherd us through extremely tough times and difficult circumstances. We appreciate the effort that they gave the city on behalf of the taxpayers. I wish them well in their next endeavors."
Holt already was in a reconfigured position, after the then-business administrator was hired by the state Jan. 23, 2017. He remained in the BA’s office with the same title.
“We are thankful for the meaningful and ethical contribution that Jason Holt has provided in his role as business administrator to help bring Atlantic City to its current place of improved finances and economic promise and we wish him well,” Ryan said. “He has earned our gratitude.”
Holt will stay in the position until a full-time or interim replacement is named, Ryan said.
Neither Holt nor Mayor Frank Gilliam returned numerous requests seeking comment.
