Township officials recently announced a number of changes at the Hillsborough Municipal Court that will also impact services for Montgomery Township and Manville Borough.
Earlier this month the shared municipal court began holding a Tuesday daytime session, in addition to the already existing Monday evening session.
Hillsborough Mayor Frank DelCore touted the changes as a logistical and financial benefit for the township.
“After thoughtful consideration, the amendments to the court hours will not only offer increased flexibility, but will also reduce the costs of court operations,” Mr. DelCore said.
Under the new changes, Tuesday hearings now begin with Manville first appearances at 10 a.m., Montgomery first appearances at 10:30 a.m. and Hillsborough first appearances at 11 a.m.
All contested cases scheduled for Tuesdays will begin at 12 p.m.
The changes reflect a move to start court proceedings earlier in the day, since the previous Tuesday schedule started at 2 p.m.
“This transition to a daytime schedule will also improve customer service by offering alternative scheduling options,” Mayor DelCore said. Monday hearings will continue to begin at 3:30 p.m. with DUI pre-trials, with contested cases slated to start at 5 p.m.
Hillsborough first entered into shared services agreements with Montgomery and Manville in 2011 and 2015, respectively.
According to officials, the shared municipal court hears all motor vehicle violations, petty disorderly and disorderly persons offenses, quasi-criminal matters and violations of town code ordinances.
The court also offers a mediation program to aid in resolving neighbor and minor disputes.
