PARALYSIS ON CARTY TERMINATION
Thiessen Says He Can’t Vote Against Carty
The Mount Holly Board of Fire Commissioners meeting of June 3, 2026 featured intense public scrutiny regarding the indefinite paid administrative leave of Director Jason Carty. The session was dominated by public demands for accountability following domestic violence allegations against Director Carty.
Nick Sodano of The Mount Holly Reporter pointed out that the voting recusal of Commissioner Jules Thiessen’s on the question of removing Carty has resulted in a tie vote between Saucier/Gaskill, who favor Carty, and Logue/Sheppard who do not favor him. This is at the heart of a 6-month administrative paralysis that has resulted in indefinite paid administrative leave for Carty. Sodano called upon Thiessen to explain his recusal.
“Mr. Carty and I have a long history together in politics. I was the bookkeeper for one of his PACs at one time. So, I believe that if I had come to this board and voted for him, there would be a huge public uproar that I showed favoritism. And that’s why I believe that if I can’t vote for him due to a a conflict-of-interest perception, then I likewise can’t vote against him. I asked Amy Guerin [the conflict attorney from Parker McKay] about all the recusals, and at that point in time, she agreed with me.” Jules Thiessen, Chair, Mount Holly Fire District
Thiessen added that he “asked the new solicitor to review this matter so maybe we can move in a different direction”.
Resident Joyce Scott called for the termination of Mr. Carty saying to Thiessen,
“Search your soul and you will know what’s right is to vote.” Resident Joyce Scott
A number of retired speakers objected to the fiscal irresponsibility to keeping Carty employed since their incomes are taking serious reductions this year due to pending tax increases. They were incensed that the Fire District had paid at least $20,000 to Director Carty while he sits at home on leave.
Despite the Board of Commissioners breaking for a 2-hour long “executive session” to discuss personnel matters and litigation, when the Board returned, it was announced that they were not taking any actions.
Other Issues Addressed At The Meeting
• Allegations against Commissioner Nicole Saucier. Resident Stone Laraway and others accused Commissioner Saucier of filing a false police report regarding political placards. The residents demanded a formal apology.
• Vendor Consolidation: The Board authorized a contract with Confires ($4,610/year) for fire alarm, sprinkler, and extinguisher inspections. This saves the Fire District $1,800 annually and replaces a fragmented vendor list (Keystone, Herring, etc.).
• Volunteer Duty Crew Program: Fire Chief Mason formalized new stipend-based duty crew requirements. Recruits must now provide 12 hours of monthly volunteer time in addition to their paid shifts. This structure is designed to extend operational hours while staying under the $9,700 per person state-mandated stipend cap. It was noted that since the new policy was put in place, the District signed up 12 new members which eclipsed the 8 out-of-town stipend firefighters who quit when they heard of the volunteer requirement.
• IT & Security Overhaul: All IT administration has been centralized under a single contractor. Key card access is being audited to eliminate “ghost” keys held by former contractors, and a new visitor log system has been implemented at the front door.
• Meeting Reschedule: The meeting originally scheduled for July 1st is canceled. The board will reconvene on July 15th to allow for the completion and approval of the municipal audit.
• American Water Dispute: The board is investigating high assessments on South Avenue and Mill Street. There is a concern that the district is being double-charged for “double hydrants” (newly installed units alongside old ones not yet removed).
• Historic Site Event: A trolley event is scheduled for June 14th (1 PM – 6 PM), featuring the firehouse as a stop. Street tours will be provided from 1 PM to 4 PM.