Officials have approved a temporary service agreement with Lakehurst Borough for municipal court services.
PLUMSTED In light of the resignation of the township’s court administrator, Plumsted officials have approved a temporary service agreement with Lakehurst Borough for municipal court services.
The service, which is good for three months, was approved unanimously at the June 5 Township Committee meeting.
The measure was necessitated by the resignation of Christine Ward, the township’s court administrator, effective June 7. Officials said Ms. Ward is pursuing another professional opportunity.
The shared service agreement was a matter of concern for Plumsted police officers and some members of the public who were worried the measure may be a precursor to a more permanent move.
During the meeting, Detective Brant Uricks questioned the agreement, informing the committee that officers were worried it signaled a township desire to outsource Plumsted’s municipal court.
”Are you actively seeking candidates to replace the position because that’s a worry of every police department,” asked Detective Uricks, president of the Plumsted Patrolman’s Benevolent Association.
Mayor Dave Leutwyler said he hopes the three-month period will not be necessary and that a replacement will be able to be appointed as expeditiously as possible.
”Lakehurst, I’ll be honest with you, they’re not looking for us to be there full-time,” he said. “They’re doing this as a courtesy to us. We’re not looking for this to be a long-term solution.”
Deputy Mayor Eric Sorchik added interviews with prospective administrators will not be able to be held without a representative from the Administrative Office of the Courts being present.
The hire would also be the subject of AOC approval, he said.