Tinton Falls Approves Use Of Its Court by Eatontown, Monmouth Beach

By Christopher Sheldon

Tinton Falls will begin sharing its court with Eatontown and Monmouth Beach this year after passing a resolution allowing the shared services agreement during its Aug. 6 council meeting.

The 5-year agreement will allow the three towns to share Tinton Falls' courtroom, court offices, administrative employees, equipment and supplies. 

Eatontown will pay the borough $100,000 annually for the first two years of the agreement and Monmouth Beach will $50,000 annually for the first two years.

"For the remaining years of the agreement, and any extensions thereafter, the yearly cost of services shall be increased by the amount allowable pursuant to the Tax Levy Cap over the prior year’s amount," according to the resolution.

The agreement will go into effect on Sept. 13, as long as Eatontown and Monmouth Beach pass resolutions approving the shared services agreement.

The three towns will appoint their own municipal judge, prosecutor and public defender, but Tinton Falls' certified court administrator, deputy court administrator and administrative staff will oversee all of the town's courts.

Eatontown will provide its own court security and Tinton Falls will provide security for Monmouth Beach. Each town will be responsible for the transportation of its own prisoners.

Eatontown and Monmouth Beach already share court services through an agreement approved in 2012.