SOMERS POINT — Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson is proposing following formation of the centralized court system in 2021 with creation of a centralized 911 dispatch system.
Mayor Jack Glasser reported receiving a letter from Levinson asking for support of a feasibility study of a countywide system for fire and EMS personnel.
The letter states the county is applying for a grant to conduct the study and is trying to determine how many of the 23 municipalities would be interested.
Councilman Howard Dill, whose two sons work in law enforcement, said the county conducted an extensive study several years ago, which involved using Stockton University as a location, and found that police dispatch was a major concern.
“I would be willing to take a look at it as long as it is just fire and rescue dispatch,” Dill said.
The letter states the county has received support from the Atlantic County Firefighters Association, Fire Chiefs Association and EMS chiefs from throughout the county for a study into the proposal’s viability.
It noted the application deadline is March 15 and urged municipalities to pass resolutions supporting it.
Glasser, who is a retired career police officer in Northfield, said centralized dispatch has been discussed for many years.
“It’s5 something that is coming back around,” he said. “I urge the governing body to think about it so we can either support this measure — or at least support the feasibility study at this time — or not.”
Levinson proposed formation of the Central Municipal Court of Atlantic County in spring 2021 with hopes of getting all 23 municipalities on board.
Criticizing New Jersey’s tradition of home rule, Levinson said the state has 565 municipalities — more than Virginia, Maryland and Delaware combined — where there are more than 584 operating and 16 non-operating school districts.
Levinson contended his plan would save taxpayers an average of 30 percent to 40 percent in annual court costs provided that at least 10 municipalities participated. More would reduce the cost for all involved.
County counsel traveled to each municipality to detail the plan, it’s proposed costs and benefits.
Because of the limited time to bring the system together — Levinson proposed a January 2022 start — municipal leaders were under pressure to get on board without knowing the full scope of the risks and rewards.
In addition, the state Legislature and Gov. Phil Murphy still needed to pass the measure allowing for a combined municipal court with the county as the lead agency, which they eventually did.
Linwood and Northfield, which shared a court at the time, were quick to join the effort but Somers Point leaders were less enthusiastic and did not take part.
In all, 10 municipalities joined the collective. Corbin City, Egg Harbor Township, Estell Manor, Galloway Township, Hamilton Township, Port Republic, Ventnor and Weymouth Township are the others.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
