For residents in towns where municipal taxes are increasing, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson suggests they ask their elected officials to join the Central Municipal Court of Atlantic County to benefit from significant savings.
“The nine towns that are members are saving an average of 45%, which can then be used to help offset municipal increases elsewhere,” stated Levinson.
As an example, Egg Harbor Township will save $427,000 this year compared to what they were paying prior to joining the court. Hamilton Township will realize a $300,000 savings, Galloway Township will enjoy $218,000 in savings with Ventnor set to save $213,000.
“Even Estell Manor will save 72% this year,” he added.
Other towns that are participating in the court and saving include Corbin City, Linwood, Port Republic and Weymouth Township.
“Prior to the Central Municipal Court’s opening in January 2022, the operating costs of the participating towns were slightly more than $2.9 million. In 2025, as members of the Central Municipal Court, their costs will be $1.2 million less,” Levinson said. “Not to mention the additional savings with a reduction in recidivism among individuals being treated for problems before they escalate and reach Superior Court.”
The county executive explained that Jewish Family Service partners with the court to provide social service interventions in the initial stages of the criminal justice system for issues such as domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health.
“This is unique to our court and serves as a model throughout the state, for which we are deservedly proud.”
According to Levinson, the reluctance of some towns to join the court is because they do not want to give up home rule that allows each town to appoint their own judges, prosecutors, public defenders and administrative staff, regardless of how costly such unnecessary duplication can be.
“Our centralized court is working – saving lives and saving money,” he stated. “And the more towns that join, the greater the savings for all. It’s a matter of economies of scale.”
If a town wants to leave the court, it can do so with six months’ notice and approval of the Superior Court Assignment Judge.
“We won’t force any town to stay if they are not satisfied.”
But If saving money is important to your residents, let us show you how much you could be saving by joining the court,” said Levinson.
“We’re meeting with officials in Brigantine, Somers Point and Absecon shortly. Based on their 2024 budget numbers, Brigantine would save 62%; Somers Point would save 45%; and Absecon would save 36%. But those savings are expected be even greater once we have their 2025 budget numbers.”
“We’re available to come to any public meeting where we can speak directly to officials and residents,” he said. “We’ll provide a clear explanation and answer any questions they may have. We’re confident the Central Municipal Court can help other towns too.”
