Brick, NJ – Brick Township’s historic shared services agreement with Toms River Township saved the town’s taxpayers $282,118.84 through the first seven months of 2009.  Mayor Stephen Acropolis expects the agreement to save up to $500,000 over the course of the year.

“The proof of the effectiveness of the shared service program we started with Toms River is without question,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We have reimbursed Toms River $291,076 through July 31^st for inspection services.  Those same services would have cost $573,195 had we not restructured the Township last year.  These are incontrovertible facts.”

The Townships of Brick and Toms River entered into a historic shared services agreement this year in which Brick Township and Toms River would be able to utilize employees from either workforce.  Each town pays for the personnel costs of employees only when they are working within their respective community and a 5% administrative cost. 

“Through this agreement, if we have an employee with unique skills or expertise, Toms River can use that employee instead of having to hire a new person and vice versa,” said Mayor Acropolis.

The agreement also has provisions for the future sharing between the townships of services such as snow plowing, printing services, transportation services, building and grounds services and more.

Since January, Toms River has provided inspection services to Brick Township and has been be reimbursed for those services.  Brick Township underwent a restructuring last year.  As part of the restructuring, the Township eliminated eight inspector positions.  The duties performed by those inspectors are now handled through the shared services agreement.

Through July 31, 2009, Brick Township has paid a total of $291,076.16 for inspection services.  Had the Township not eliminated the nine inspector positions and not entered into the shared services agreement, the cost for 2009 would have been $982,620, which is $81,885 per month.  This includes salary ($712,528), health   ($145,968), pension ($69,614) and ssi/med ($54,510) costs.  The total for the first seven months would have been $573,195.

“The shared services program is a great accomplishment for both Brick Township and Toms River,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We have taken the first steps towards changing the way government operates and more importantly, we are providing real and undeniable savings to taxpayers.  In fact, I expect the final savings in 2009 to be close to $500,000.”

“The Council was confident that the shared services agreement would create savings for our taxpayers.  It is great to see that confidence rewarded with such substantial savings,” said Council President Joseph Sangiovanni.  “It is clear we made the right decision for our community and our taxpayers.”

Mayor Acropolis invites any resident who has questions about the agreement or would like more information to visit Town Hall.  “I know there are people that are questioning the savings.  After seeing the bills and documentation, there will be no way to question it any longer.  The invoices don’t lie,” said Mayor Acropolis. 

“This administration has an open door policy.  We will gladly sit with anyone who wants to discuss the shared services agreement or any other Township matter,” said Mayor Acropolis.