JAMESBURG — Jamesburg stands to lose an average of $30,000 a year if the Helmetta Borough Council approves an ordinance that would end an interlocal agreement calling for the Jamesburg Police Department to patrol the borough.
Helmetta council members will vote on the ordinance at its March 13 meeting.
The interlocal agreement, which has been in place since 2005, requires that one Jamesburg officer and vehicle patrol and respond to emergency calls and situations in Helmetta between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. seven days a week.
In return, Helmetta compensates Jamesburg at the rate of $20.80 per hour for the assistance, not including any overtime that is incurred.
Helmetta Councilman Peter Karczewski said that although the agreement has served both municipalities well, the arrangement was never meant to be permanent.
”Originally we did it because we had a bit of a manpower shortage,” said Bill Schmeling, Helmetta’s business administrator.
Helmetta officials are hoping that by employing an additional part-time officer on their force, the Jamesburg officers won’t be needed.
”It’s definitely not because of inefficiency,” Mr. Karczewski said. “The expense would have something to do with it.”
Mr. Karczewski said his borough would save money by hiring a new officer rather than continuing the interlocal agreement with Jamesburg.
”We are not 100 percent sure about extending it,” he said.
Although Jamesburg stands to lose revenue, Mayor Tony LaMantia said that there’s no hard feelings when it comes to business arrangements between the two boroughs.
”They came to us and we gave them top of the line service,” Mayor LaMantia said. “If they want to go another way that’s their prerogative.”
The current one-year contract is set to expire April 15. Both borough representatives said they have not begun negotiations for an extension.
In order for the ordinance to pass, four of the six Helmetta council members will have to vote in favor of it. In the case of a tie, Mayor Nancy Martin would have the deciding vote.
Mr. Schmeling said if Helmetta council members vote in favor of the ordinance, his borough is required to give Jamesburg at least a 30-day notice to terminate the agreement but that they would likely stop services toward the end of May.
