Bridgewater Approves Shared Services Agreement With Raritan Borough

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Bridgewater Township Council approved a new Shared Services Agreement for municipal court services at their July 18 meeting. The new agreement for municipal court services would have Bridgewater Township take on the Municipal Court for Raritan Borough responsibilities, a spokesperson said. This agreement is set to take effect on Oct. 1, and will be in place through Aug. 31, 2027.

Before the shared court can be finalized, the Governing Body of Raritan Borough will need to give their approval.

Bridgewater will serve as the lead agent and host for the shared services, a spokesperson said. The agreement allows municipalities in New Jersey to work together to provide services within their jurisdiction and is authorized under N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq. Under this law, two or more municipalities can jointly provide resources such as courtrooms, chambers, equipment, supplies and employees for their municipal courts, while still retaining individual court identities.

The agreement outlines all duties related to the shared use of municipal court resources, with detailed terms and conditions.

The shared municipal court service would be in addition to the current Bridgewater shared service with Somerville. The goal is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of court operations in all participating municipalities, a spokesperson said.

“This collaboration with Raritan represents a significant step forward in our efforts to provide high-quality, efficient municipal services to our residents,” said Bridgewater Township Mayor Matthew C. Moench. “We look forward to the benefits this shared services agreement will bring to both communities.”