Basking Ridge, Bernardsville To Share Fire Prevention Bureau

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Bernards Township Committee unanimously passed a resolution to share a Fire Prevention Bureau with Bernardsville.

The vote was made on July 13 at the township committee meeting and the agreement went into effect immediately.

"Shared Service agreements between local municipalities have long been encouraged by the State of New Jersey. They are used to consolidate resources and provide taxpayers more 'bang for their buck.' This agreement is good for both communities; it brings the unit cost of operations down and provides greater flexibilities to the department, to address issues that arise in a timelier fashion, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the department," said Bernards Township Mayor Janice Fields.

The agreement includes sharing the operation of the shared Fire Prevention Bureau, including the sharing of bureau facilities and bureau staff including the Fire Official and Fire Inspectors.

Last June, the township previously entered into another shared services agreement to join a shared court with Bedminster, Peapack Gladstone, and Bernardsville. This agreement was estimated to save the Township between $90,000 to $120,000 per year. Read More: Basking Ridge To Share Court With Neighboring Towns

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