Resolution also was OK’d by Hopewell Borough Council
By John Tredrea
A resolution that will lead to a five-year interlocal agreement under which Hopewell Township will continue providing police services to Hopewell Borough was approved by a 4-0 Township Committee vote Monday night.
Voting in favor were Mayor Vanessa Sandom, Deputy Mayor David Sandahl, and Committee members Mark Iorio and Judy Niederer. Committeeman John Murphy was absent.
The resolution also was approved unanimously by Hopewell Borough Council Monday night.
Under the agreement, the borough will pay the township $350,000 for police services this year. It was $318,000 last year.
The annual payments by the borough to the township will increase $40,000 in 2007 and 2008, to $390,000 and $430,000, respectively. There will be increases of $45,000 in 2009 and 2010, to $475,000 and $520,000 respectively. In 2011, the increase will be $49,481, bringing the amount the borough will pay the township for police services that year to $569,481.
The dollar amounts were negotiated with the help of Jersey Professional Management, a firm jointly hired by the township and borough to determine the appropriate amount the borough should pay the township for police services. Under the agreement, the annual stipends will be paid in four quarterly payments each year.
One exception to the payment schedule is permitted by the interlocal agreement. If the township’s total police costs for 2010 and 2011 increase over the prior year by more than 6.25 percent, the borough would pay the township an annual amount that includes the new percentage.
Mr. Sandahl called the new interlocal pact proof of the township and borough having "a true shared service now. We have a true understanding by both sides of what’s to be provided."
Mr. Iorio said "an exhaustive analysis of data" led to the agreement.
The pact also was hailed by Hopewell Borough Council President David Knights, who attended the Township Committee meeting. "I feel great about the solution," he said. "The presence of the township Police Department in the borough is a real plus. We have had great cooperation from the department."