NORTHFIELD — City Council voted April 18 to withdraw from the Central Municipal Court of Atlantic County and to partner with Hammonton.
Councilman Brian Smith, who oversees shared services, said the benefits fell short of what the county promised financially and in other ways.
“We’re not realizing the savings that we had anticipated,” he said.
Smith said cost was not the only factor in the decision “but certainly a major factor.”
He said the city knew the cost reduction was not going to be as significant as in other municipalities, partially because the city already had a combined court with Linwood through a previous shared services agreement.
Smith said the cost of providing court services through Hammonton would be “considerably less.”
The councilman was optimistic about joining the central court system but soured on the idea for a couple of reasons.
“My viewpoint was it was a positive move but it did not pan out as expected,” Smith said, noting there were issues with access and communication that “we wish had been better handled.”
Prior to joining the central court, Northfield officials were contemplating joining with Hammonton and Hamilton Township but ultimately decided to go with the county.
Smith said Hammonton officials recently reached out again to see if Northfield would like to join its court after Hamilton pulled out of the central court and joined the town’s system.
Calling Hamilton one of the big three — along with Egg Harbor Township and Galloway Township — he said its withdrawal cast doubt on the viability of the central system.
“We weren’t confident in the county municipal court moving forward,” Smith said. “This was the best decision for Northfield and for Northfield taxpayers.”
Smith said all court proceedings would be held in Hammonton, with Northfield officers traveling only when necessary.
“We have been assured that more than 90 percent of cases would be handled remotely,” Smith said, adding that he and Councilwomen Carolyn Bucci and Renee Carfagno toured the facility and were pleased with what they found.
“Ultimately our responsibility is to the taxpayers and at this time this is the best service for the taxpayers,” Smith said.
The agreement with the county requires a six-month notice of intent to withdraw and the city will remain with the central system through the end of 2023.
County Executive Dennis Levinson, who spearheaded the central court system as a way to save taxpayer dollars, said some towns are pleased with the service and others not so much.
He said overall court revenues are down because the state changes rules such as issuing warrants for failure to appear, legalizing marijuana and dismissing a couple hundred thousand cases.
“Northfield, maybe they think they can get a better deal,” he said. “There are no hard feelings. All you can do is lead a horse to water.”
Citing the state’s 565 school districts, he continued to advocate for consolidation. He said there are four superintendents in the three towns that make up the Mainland Regional High School District each with a six-figure salary and assistants.
“New Jersey taxes are higher than others because we have this home rule in our brains and can’t seem to get around it,” he said. “I believe it’s in the best interest for us to consolidate.”
Levinson said it remains to be seen what affect losing two municipalities would have on the system.
“We will be able to function and if we can’t, it will be dissolved,” he said.
“This was done voluntarily and they can get out voluntarily. If the do not wish to consolidate, it’s perfectly all right with me.”
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff