Bridgewater, Raritan may share municipal court

BRIDGEWATER - The Township Council has approved an agreement with neighboring Raritan Borough for a shared municipal court.

The Township Council voted to approve the agreement at its July 18 meeting. However, the Raritan Borough Council, without discussion, tabled the agreement at its July 16 meeting.

The agreement, which would take effect Oct. 1 and continue until Aug. 31, 2027, would see the township assume the responsibilities for the Raritan Municipal Court.

Bridgewater has a similar agreement with Somerville.

Manville, Branchburg, Montgomery and Hillsborough have also joined together in a shared municipal court in Hillsborough.

Katherine Howes, the township's municipal court judge, serves in the same capacity in Raritan Borough.

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"This collaboration with Raritan represents a significant step forward in our efforts to provide high-quality, efficient municipal services to our residents," Mayor Matt Moench in a statement. "We look forward to the benefits this shared services agreement will bring to both communities."

Under the agreement, Bridgewater will serve as the lead agent and host for the court. Both courts will continue to operate as separate entities, maintaining their individual identities. The agreement will also enable the municipalities to optimize court facilities and staff.

Copies of the agreement will be available for the public at the office of the Township Clerk.

The Raritan Borough Council will need to approve the agreement before the shared court can be finalized.

Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Bridgewater, Raritan may share municipal court