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“Ultimately our responsibility is to the taxpayers and at this time this is the best service for the taxpayers,” Smith said. “We have been assured that more than 90 percent of cases would be handled remotely,” Smith said, adding that he and Councilwomen Carolyn Bucci and Renee Carfagno toured the facility and were pleased with what they found.

Smith said all court proceedings would be held in Hammonton, with Northfield officers traveling only when necessary. “This was the best decision for Northfield and for Northfield taxpayers.” “We weren’t confident in the county municipal court moving forward,” Smith said. Smith said Hammonton officials recently reached out again to see if Northfield would like to join its court after Hamilton pulled out of the central court and joined the town’s system.Ĭalling Hamilton one of the big three - along with Egg Harbor Township and Galloway Township - he said its withdrawal cast doubt on the viability of the central system. Prior to joining the central court, Northfield officials were contemplating joining with Hammonton and Hamilton Township but ultimately decided to go with the county. “My viewpoint was it was a positive move but it did not pan out as expected,” Smith said, noting there were issues with access and communication that “we wish had been better handled.” The councilman was optimistic about joining the central court system but soured on the idea for a couple of reasons. Smith said the cost of providing court services through Hammonton would be “considerably less.” He said the city knew the cost reduction was not going to be as significant as in other municipalities, partially because the city already had a combined court with Linwood through a previous shared services agreement. Smith said cost was not the only factor in the decision “but certainly a major factor.” “We’re not realizing the savings that we had anticipated,” he said. NORTHFIELD - City Council voted April 18 to withdraw from the Central Municipal Court of Atlantic County and to partner with Hammonton.Ĭouncilman Brian Smith, who oversees shared services, said the benefits fell short of what the county promised financially and in other ways.