COLTS NECK – Representatives of Monmouth County and Naval Weapons Station Earle (NWS Earle) have signed a shared services agreement that continues a public-public partnership.
Through the agreement, the tasks that will be completed will reduce wildfire risk and increase storm water capacity/reduce flooding; increasing NWS Earle and the surrounding communities’ resilience from the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change, according to a Sept. 28 press release from the county.
The agreement that was signed on Sept. 28 will be only the second Military Installation Resilience shared services agreement in the U.S. Navy, according to the press release.
Monmouth County already offers shared services agreements with other government entities, as well as with school districts and emergency service departments.
Shared services agreements include 911 dispatch and records storage and purchasing, among other services, as well as public works services including milling and paving, tree trimming and removal, gypsy moth preventative services, fleet services, guiderail installation, and engineering and surveying services.
“The county is proud to build on our creative partnership with NWS Earle with this shared services agreement,” Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said. “This agreement further demonstrates our dedication to providing shared services to other entities, reducing duplication of services and the burden on taxpayers.”
“Naval Weapons Station Earle and its missions are crucial to our nation’s security and safety. It is an honor that the county can support them by providing services through our shared services program,” Monmouth County Commissioner Lillian G. Burry said. “I want to commend the county and the leadership at NWS Earle for their out-of-the-box thinking and partnering.”
“Today’s signing of this Inter-Government Service Agreement affords the installation and our neighbors in Monmouth County greater protection and resilience against the effects of wildfires and storm surge,” said Capt. Ed Callahan, NWS Earle commanding officer. “My team and I are delighted to have such a strong partner in Monmouth County as we strive to meet those goals.”
Monmouth County’s shared services program is provided to reduce government expenses and to save taxpayers money, according to the press release.
With economies of scale, Monmouth County’s fee-based business model is an opportunity to provide services and commodities to local public partners at a lower cost. In turn, participating government agencies can lower their capital and operating costs, according to the press release.