Shared Court Services Expands In Hillsborough To Include Branchburg

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — In the latest shared services agreement, Hillsborough has gained one more neighboring town to utilize its municipal court.

The Hillsborough Township Committee unanimously voted to pass a resolution authorizing the agreement for a shared municipal court with Branchburg Township at the Sept. 27 meeting.

"In incredibly good news we have been fortunate enough to expand our courts. And now Branchburg is joining the Hillsborough courts just like Manville and Montgomery. So we have the four courts under this one roof," said Committeeman Doug Tomson.

As part of the agreement, Branchburg will be paying a stipend to several Hillsborough court employees to compensate them for the additional work.

"It's a one-time payment versus being added to their salary," said Deputy Mayor Janine Erickson.

Stipends include:

Committeeman Frank DelCore explained why the stipends were a better option than changing salaries.

"If something were to happen to the agreement we don't want to adjust people's salaries up and down if Branchburg decides they want to do their own court again," said DelCore.

The five-year agreement began on Oct. 1 and will continue until Dec. 31, 2027.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.