HILLSDALE—Council members re-established a new Shared Services Committee by a 5-0 vote Sept. 13 to look into savings for the borough on expensive items as well as local and regional projects and services.
Councilwoman Abby Lundy said the finance committee and business administrator wanted to re-establish the committee, which was disbanded a few years back, “because we feel that everything is going the way of regionalization, shared services, promotes more efficiencies, more cost effectiveness — that really is the gist of the discussion.”
She told Pascack Press, “As a general policy, the committee will explore and develop strategies for promoting fiscally responsible government and promote more cost effective and efficient delivery of public services.”
She added that business administrator David Troast “is involved with several issues that need input prior to proceeding to the full council for discussion. We currently don’t have plans to meet on a regular basis but will meet on an as-needed basis as opportunities arise.”
Mayor John Ruocco said the original committee was disbanded and moved in the borough bylaws to be a special committee. He told Lundy, “And I think it’s good that you’re recommending we have this because there’s a lot of potential.”
Lundy said she had met with Westwood council members and got phone calls from other towns, “and I just think it’s a good way for us to explore.”
Ruocco said since the committee was already in the by-laws, he could appoint members to the committee. Lundy suggested herself, council president Janetta Trochimiuk, councilman John Escobar, and Troast (who sits on all borough committees), and agreed to allow Ruocco to serve as an ex-officio member but not attend the sessions.
Ruocco requested ex-officio membership because he wanted to get meeting notes and correspondence to keep informed on the committee’s deliberations but not attend.
Probably one of the most well-known, large shared service agreements is the combined Montvale–River Vale Pascack Valley Department of Public Works. Following a dispute over an unpaid snow plowing bill in 2018, the towns mediated and settled, agreeing to extend their combined DPW through 2029.
Other communities’ shared services arrangements have focused on leaf vacuums, sewer jets, and recycling equipment.