(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Craig J. Coughlin
(D-Middlesex), Jerry Green (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union) and Annette Quijano
(D-Union) to allow local units to enter into joint agreements to purchase fire
equipment has been signed into law.
“Budgetary constraints
have forced many municipalities to do more with less, but fire equipment is not
something you ever want to cut back on,” said Coughlin. “This law will help
equip fire departments with the necessary equipment to respond to emergencies
and keep the community safe, while easing the financial burden on taxpayers.
It’s a win-win.”
“Shared services is one
way for struggling municipalities to reduce costs without sacrificing services
and saddling taxpayers already feeling the pinch,” said Green. “This provides
local units the chance to purchase essential fire equipment at lower costs
through joint purchasing agreements. We should take advantage of every
opportunity that allows us to provide a vital service and save
money.”
“Firefighting is a noble,
but dangerous profession. It is our responsibility to ensure that our
firefighters have the adequate equipment so they can perform their jobs well and
with no added risk,” said Quijano. “By allowing joint purchasing of fire
equipment, we ensure that fire departments have the needed equipment to perform
their jobs while lightening the financial load for taxpayers.”
The law (A-3263) will
allow local units to enter into joint agreements to purchase fire equipment.
Fire equipment, including critical and specialized items such as fire trucks, is
among the more expensive items that local units purchase. By clarifying that
local units have the authority to enter into joint agreements to purchase such
equipment, this law will offer local units greater flexibility to lower costs
and ease budgetary pressures.
