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June 21, 2004

Combined Fiber-Optic Cable/Phone System Adds Service, Cuts Costs

In an era of strained municipal budgets, Woodbridge Township has found a way to minimize service costs by maximizing service providers.

The Township has executed an Interlocal Services Agreement with the Woodbridge Board of Fire Commissioners Fire District 1, announced Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. The agreement permits the two entities to implement a shared fiber-optic cable/phone system, a move officials predict will increase efficiency and savings.

"This agreement allows us to create a combined communications system for improved voice, data and video sharing between two vital public service entities," says Mayor Pelzman.

The Township has partnered with Middlesex County, the State of New Jersey and numerous municipalities in shared service and purchase agreements spanning 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.

As part of the agreement, the Fire Department will pay to install a new fiber optic line between town hall and the fire department that gives unlimited bandwidth for sending video and voice data.

"This is the first fiber-optic line between two government entities in Woodbridge Township," says Michael D. Esolda, Chief Information Officer of Woodbridge Township and Woodbridge Township School District. "The costs of the middleman drop out because the fire department now owns full access to the line."

Instead of buying a new phone system, adds Esolda, the Fire Department can utilize the Township's off-premise equipment and share auto attendants, voice mail, administration and maintenance costs.

Fire District 1 Commissioner John Kenny says the improved system will save the Fire Department $5-6,000 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.