Stone Harbor Plans Police Reorganization, Sparks Council Debate

STONE HARBOR, N.J. — The Borough Council introduced an ordinance March 18 to reshape the Police Department, scrapping the captain position for two lieutenants, cutting the detective sergeant role and trimming sworn officers from 18 to 17. The move aims to ease budget pressures under the state’s 3.5% appropriation cap, though it stirred discord among council members. Councilman Ken Biddick framed it as a cost-saving measure, while public calls for transparency grew amid limited details on the borough’s financial squeeze. The plan’s reception split the council. Councilwoman Robin Casper voiced doubts, noting new Police Chief Christopher Palmer didn’t favor the changes. Council President Frank Dallahan countered that Palmer drafted and backed the proposal through the Public Safety Committee. Palmer later clarified he crafted it under pressure to slash costs, not to boost efficiency. With 21 years in the department, he said it runs well as is but offered a workable alternative to meet budget demands. Tensions flared as Casper and Dallahan clashed over his stance. Union representative Anthony Tirelli blasted the council for disrespecting officers, pointing to 14 months without a contract and zero prior notice on the overhaul. He tied budget woes to the recent shift from volunteer to paid firefighters, a move that ate into fiscal wiggle room. Biddick defended that choice but blamed state rules for the bind. The ordinance faces a public hearing April 15 at 5 p.m. in borough hall, where a vote could follow.