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November 9, 2004

Shared Services Agreement Increases Efficiency, Savings

Woodbridge Township has received an Innovation in Governance award from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, Mayor Frank G. Pelzman has announced.

The award came in the category of “municipalities that improve and address public safety” and honored the interlocal services agreement between the Township and the Woodbridge Board of Fire Commissioners Fire District 1 that created a combined fiber optic line for sharing of voice, data and video.

“This agreement between two public service entities gives us a Township-wide improved communications system that will increase efficiency and savings,” says Mayor Pelzman.

Woodbridge Township has numerous interlocal agreements in place, partnering with Middlesex County, the State of New Jersey and several other municipalities in shared service and purchase agreements that encompass health, recycling, transportation, cable television, parking enforcement, nursing care, senior citizen services, environmental cleanup and police, fire and hazmat services. “Giving residents the most benefit for the least amount of tax dollars is an objective this administration works to accomplish every day,” says Mayor Pelzman.

The fiber optic line allows the Fire Department to utilize the Township’s off-premise equipment and share auto attendants, voice mail, administration and maintenance costs. “The costs of the middleman drop out,” says Michael D. Esolda, Chief Information Officer of Woodbridge Township and Woodbridge Township School District, “because the fire department now has full access to the line.”

Fire District 1 Commissioner John Kenny says the improved system will save the Fire Department nearly $6,000 per year. “When you can save money and put it toward purchasing newer and better equipment, you’re also going to save lives in the long run,” he says.

The Township is now seeking funds to include Woodbridge Township School District as a system partner.