UPPER FREEHOLD – The Township Committee in Upper Freehold Township has entered into a shared services agreement with neighboring Plumsted Township for the subcontracting of Department of Public Works personnel and equipment.
On Nov. 1, officials authorized a one-year agreement with Plumsted’s governing body. The agreement will run from Dec. 1, 2018 through Dec. 1, 2019, according to a resolution.
Under the terms of the agreement, Upper Freehold will subcontract DPW personnel and equipment to Plumsted and Plumsted will compensate Upper Freehold for services rendered at rates established in a rate schedule.
In other business, committee members passed a resolution supporting the Hope Fire Company, which is based in the township and serves Upper Freehold and Allentown, as fire company officials pursue a $128,320 grant that would be used to acquire protective equipment for 40 firefighters.
According to the resolution, the fire company has no fire district or dedicated fire tax and funds from state general municipal funds are limited to contributions of up to $90,000. The fire company receives approximately $186,000 per year in total contributions with the intent of meeting day-to-day operations and capital items.
Approximately 38 percent of the Hope Fire Company’s funding is derived from donations from local residents and the remaining 62 percent is provided by the governing bodies from Upper Freehold and Allentown, according to the resolution.
The resolution states that in spite of the fire company’s fundraising activities, the level of funds generated has decreased, while costs associated with insurance deductibles, equipment repairs and saving required for capital improvements have increased.
As a result, there is no available funding for acquiring replacement equipment, including tools, vehicles and personal protective equipment. The Hope Fire Company is seeking a $128,320 grant for protective equipment, which the Township Committee supports.
