Fire Rescue News - Emergency dispatch agreement with Mullica Township will save Galloway Township up to $50,000 a year

Posted: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 8:37 pm

By JENNIFER BOGDAN Staff Writer pressofAtlanticCity.com

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - In a move toward consolidated services, Galloway Township will soon be providing emergency dispatch services for Mullica Township.

The five-year agreement, approved at Galloway Township's Council meeting Tuesday night, is expected to....Continue Reading

save both municipalities $45,000 to $50,000 each.

"This is exactly the right time to be doing this. More municipalities are looking to consolidate," Mayor Keith Hartman said. "Maybe Galloway could become the central location for the county."

Earlier this year, Mullica Township backed out of its contract with the Egg Harbor City-based dispatch provider, Mid-Atlantic Communications. The company had announced it would close by this summer. Other municipalities that were using Mid-Atlantic's services, including Egg Harbor City and Weymouth Township, have agreed to use services from Gloucester County.

Mullica had been paying $240,500 for services from Mid-Atlantic. Under the new agreement, Mullica will pay Galloway $195,000 for services.

Galloway's dispatch services are based at the township police department, located at 300 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd. The township also provides dispatch services for Port Republic.

"These things don't work unless everybody works together," acting township Manager Steve Bonanni said of the agreement. "We'll be working on more of these as time goes by."

Counties statewide have sought to consolidate emergency dispatch services, saying the change would provide cheaper and more efficient systems for residents.

Atlantic County, which does not have a central dispatch, is looking to consolidate the services for its 23 municipal governments.

Contact Jennifer Bogdan: 609-272-7239 JBogdan@pressofac.com