Shared services would be focus of new agency
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

MARLBORO — In a time of decreasing state aid to municipalities and increasing costs to operate, a call has been sent out for governments to come together and form the Central Jersey Council of Governments (CJCOG).

Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik proposed the creation of the state's second council of governments during a shared services summit that was held at Town Hall on Aug. 18.

"I believe the Council of Governments will be key to studying and implementing regional shared services that work better and cost less than traditional municipal service delivery and to explore mutually beneficial grant opportunities to help coordinate the similar operations performed in every community," Hornik said.

The mayor said he believes the CJCOG will provide a decisive path forward for all of the communities which choose to be involved.

The first organization of this type in the Garden State was the Warren-Morris Council of Governments, founded in March 2006. The council includes 14 municipalities in Warren, Morris and Hunterdon counties.

Mansfield Township Deputy Mayor George Baldwin, the president of the Warren Morris council, said many shared services agreements have been initiated as a result of the group's existence.

Baldwin described agreements with the state for the purchase of salt; a street sweeper agreement among Mansfield, Hackettstown and Washington Township; and shared municipal court services. He noted that Washington Township, which is a member of the council, shares police services with Califon, which is not a member of the council.

"As long as someone is sharing something it's a help to the taxpayers," Baldwin said.

He explained that there are grants available from the state Department of Community Affairs. Baldwin said Marc Pfeiffer, the deputy director of the Division of Local Government Services, is extremely helpful in the grant process.

The directors of the Warren-Morris Council of Governments are considering hiring a part-time staff member who would be responsible for finding possible grant opportunities.

"There are many, many opportunities to help each other and to work together," Baldwin said, adding that he would be glad to help the CJCOG get off the ground.

Hornik said the next step will be to send a formal letter to Monmouth County municipalities to explain the council's purpose. Representatives from 12 towns expressed their interest in such a partnership at the Aug. 18 meeting, the mayor said, but this opportunity goes beyond towns.

Under the CJCOG, municipalities, counties, fire districts, school districts and quasi-governmental agencies such as municipal utilities authorities can voluntarily join and plan for common needs. The group members would cooperate on topics of mutual benefit, develop large-scale shared services agreements, apply for grants and coordinate matters of regional importance. The organization would be an incorporated not-for-profit entity with its own officers, bylaws and operations.

With a total of more than 100 qualifying municipalities and special districts in Monmouth County, Hornik said he believes the CJCOG has the potential to become the largest association in the state.

"I am excited about the many outstanding opportunities the Council of Governments would bring to the residents of the region," Hornik said.

The next shared services meeting is scheduled for Sept. 22 in Manalapan.