The signing of an Intergovernmental Support Agreement on May 23 will permit Monmouth County to provide shared services to Naval Weapons Station Earle, including traffic signal maintenance, unimproved road maintenance, snow and ice control, and storm drainage repairs among other services.
This is not only the first shared services agreement in New Jersey between a county government and a military installation, but also the first such agreement within the U.S. Navy, according to a press release. The agreement follows the passage of A2514, legislation that permits local units of government to enter into shared services agreements with federal military installations in the state.
Monmouth County already offers shared services agreements with other government entities, as well as with school districts and emergency service departments. Shared service agreements include 911 dispatch, 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, according to the press release.
“This creative partnership with NWS Earle builds on our great success in providing shared services to other entities, reducing duplication of services and the burden on taxpayers,” Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone said. “Monmouth County has the resources to benefit municipalities in both maintenance and construction services along with responding to emergencies.”
Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Lillian Burry were present at the signing.
“The mission of Naval Weapons Station Earle is such an important part of our nation’s safety and security and the county is proud to partner and support NWS Earle,” Burry said.
“I want to thank Freeholder Director Arnone, Freeholder Deputy Director Burry and the Monmouth County staff who have worked with us for so long to make this agreement happen,” NWS Earle Commanding Officer Capt. Pierre A. Fuller said. “By signing this agreement today, we are providing the U.S. Navy access to the unique capabilities and expertise available from the county.”
Monmouth County’s Shared Services Program is provided to reduce government expenses and save taxpayers money. 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.
“Through our shared services initiatives, municipalities, authorities, commissions, public schools, institutions of higher education and local emergency services departments have reduced costs and increased efficiencies, while continuing to deliver a high quality of services to residents,” Arnone said.
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