WILDWOOD CREST AUTHORIZES SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION OFFICIAL SUPPORT TO STONE HARBOR

Wildwood Crest, NJ - Wildwood Crest commissioners approved a shared services agreement on May 14 to provide Stone Harbor with construction official and subcode official services, formalizing cooperation between the two municipalities. The resolution passed with a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Joe Schiff opposing. Stone Harbor approved the agreement on May 20. Under the agreement, Stone Harbor will pay Wildwood Crest $60,000 in 2025, increasing annually to $130,050 by 2029. The arrangement allows Wildwood Crest to handle all routine construction code administration and enforcement for Stone Harbor, including licensed personnel such as the construction code official, building subcode, fire subcode, mechanical subcode officials, and the flood plain manager. Deputy Mayor Joseph Franco highlighted key benefits, including new revenue for Wildwood Crest and funding for a full-time staff member dedicated to the borough. Grants will offset salary costs for the first two years and fund updated software and a vehicle, enhancing efficiency and enabling online permit applications and payments. This move also assists Stone Harbor in managing its 2025 budget to stay within the state appropriations cap by shifting personnel expenses out of its general fund, without impacting service delivery or office accessibility for residents. Borough staff will continue to operate the local construction office. Additionally, Wildwood Crest will submit a $185,000 grant application to New Jersey’s Local Efficiency Achievement Program to support the shared services implementation, aligning with statewide efforts to streamline municipal operations.