For Immediate Release:
January 29, 2010
Middlesex, Monmouth to share youth services
Saving for taxpayers in both counties is $40 million
over next 10 years
FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth and Middlesex counties would each save their taxpayers more than $20 million – a total of $40 million – over the next 10 years under a unique shared services agreement for youth services.
If both counties authorize the agreement, the Monmouth County juvenile facility in Freehold Township will close and all juveniles will be housed at the Middlesex County Youth Services Center in North Brunswick Township. The agreement would begin July 1 and is for a 10-year period.
The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders authorized the agreement at its regular meeting last night. The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders is expected to vote on the agreement at its regular meeting next Thursday, Feb. 4.
“This is a good example of a shared services arrangement where one county works with another county in a bi-partisan way to the benefit of taxpayers in both counties,” Monmouth County Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “We would reduce our operating costs significantly, and Middlesex County would gain new revenue. This is how sharing services is supposed to work.”
“This agreement would enhance operational efficiency at our Youth Services facility while at the same time lessen the burden on our taxpayers,” Middlesex County Freeholder Mildred S. Scott said. “Over the life of the 10-year agreement, Middlesex County residents will save more than $20 million. That represents substantial savings and it is an example of the cost-effective government our residents deserve.”
Under the agreement, Monmouth County will pay Middlesex County to provide up to 37 beds per day, a number well above the average number of juveniles Monmouth County housed in the last five years. The number of juveniles at the Monmouth County facility in 2009 averaged 25 per month.
The two counties began exploring the possibility of sharing youth detention last year. The issue was raised again this year as a budget-saving measure and because the Middlesex County facility is newer and has more accommodations than are available in Monmouth County.
“When it comes to juvenile detention, the focus is always on rehabilitation,” Monmouth County Freeholder Robert D. Clifton said. “Rehabilitation is achieved through education, and there really is no comparison between the Monmouth and Middlesex facilities. The Middlesex facility is far superior to what we can offer here in Monmouth, and the juveniles we will send to the Middlesex YDC will have a much better chance of successfully transitioning into adulthood because of it.”
“The challenges the economy presents to us demand that we find new ways to reduce the cost of county government and reduce the tax burden on our residents,” Middlesex County Freeholder Director Christopher D. Rafano said. “As a freeholder board, we are committed to working closely with our neighboring counties and with our municipal partners to drive down the cost of government through regionalization and sharing of services wherever appropriate, and I thank Monmouth County for working with us to realize our shared goals.”
Monmouth County will continue to participate in the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative program, even though Middlesex County does not. The JDAI program provides a mechanism to detain fewer youth, rely more on proven, family-focused interventions, and create opportunities for positive youth development. Because the JDAI program will be continued in Monmouth County under this new arrangement, only juveniles accused of the most serious offenses will be housed in Middlesex.
In addition to the $2 million in annual savings, closing the Monmouth County facility will eliminate the need for more than $12 million in capital improvements needed to bring the 40-year-old facility up to current standards. Monmouth County has been mandated to make those improvements.
“I understand the Freeholders’ move to close the Youth Detention Center as a cost savings measure to taxpayers,” Acting Sheriff Shaun Golden said. “Although the subject was debated long before I became Acting Sheriff, I am an advocate of shared services and plan to work toward reducing government expenditure in the future.”
“Our kids will be housed in a modern facility just 22 miles away with better educational and recreational programs than is currently offered in Freehold Township,” Clifton said. “The educational and rehabilitative opportunities available at the Middlesex facility far outweighs any inconvenience caused by the extra travel time to visit a loved one.
“Additionally, we recognize and applaud the many years of outstanding service our employees have given to the youth of our county,” Clifton added. “We have agreements with both Middlesex and Union counties to give the current employees at the Monmouth County YDC the opportunity to interview first for any future employment opportunities in those county youth detention facilities.”
“This is a win-win for the two counties, but also for the youth who will have more educational opportunities than is currently being offered in Monmouth County,” Monmouth County Freeholder John P. Curley said. “I believe in shared services to reduce the cost of county government, and this one in particular is good for all parties involved.”
“This is not a cash for kids measure,” Director Burry said. “While it is true there are substantial savings which we cannot discount, especially in this economy, our focus should be – and is – on the many benefits this shared service provides for our troubled youth.”
Monmouth County Freeholders John D’Amico and Amy A. Mallet voted against the closure, citing concerns over the projected cost savings.
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