Extension would run through the end of the year
By: Greg Forester
ROCKY HILL The Rocky Hill Borough Council on Monday moved to allow Mayor Ed Zimmerman to seek an extension of police coverage from South Bound Brook to the end of 2007 in Rocky Hill’s next contract for police coverage.
Following the current contract’s May expiration, the next contract would have ended sometime in November, but borough officials said a contract expiring at the end of the calendar year would be better for budget purposes.
"We’ve been very happy with service the South Bound Brook Police Department has provided to Rocky Hill," said Mayor Zimmerman. "They have done everything they said they would."
South Bound Brook police provide 50 hours of police coverage to Rocky Hill a month, in addition to an extra 50 hours a year that allow police to provide extra services, including a mobile inspection station and a "click-it or ticket" seat belt enforcement program.
The current contract was due to expire in the beginning of May, but the recent Borough Council action would renew that contract, and extend it from the original November termination date to the end of December.
According to Mayor Zimmerman, some South Bound Brook officials had previously expressed a desire to let the contract expire, mainly due to what Mayor Zimmerman called political issues.
Mayor Zimmerman said South Bound Brook Mayor Richard Eickhorst had made it clear previously that he did not want or expect to renew the contract. Mayor Eickhorst could not be reached for comment.
Mayor Zimmerman cited personnel issues in South Bound Brook with the local Policeman’s Benevolent Association and contracts as some stumbling blocks delaying the renewal process.
Mayor Zimmerman and Councilman Bill Hallman had previously attended council meetings in South Bound Brook about the issue.
"We’re glad the council saw the safety of Rocky Hill as more important than the politics of South Bound Brook," said Mayor Zimmerman.
In addition to South Bound Brook, Rocky Hill receives police coverage from the New Jersey State Police.

