Ventnor mayor highlights shared service savings and efficiency through LEAP grants

The Atlantic County Shared Services Roadshow convened on May 9, 2025, to discuss collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs across municipalities. The meeting featured key representatives from various towns, including Pleasantville, Ventnor, and Absecon, who shared their experiences with shared service programs.

The session began with Pleasantville's mayor highlighting the successful partnership with Egg Harbor Township (EHT) in their IT department. This collaboration, initiated two years ago, has resulted in a significant annual savings of $30,000 while maintaining high service quality. The mayor emphasized the importance of such partnerships in improving efficiency and service delivery.

A major topic of discussion was the shared court services with Atlantic City. The mayor expressed initial concerns about employee transitions but reported that the integration has been smooth, with no complaints from residents. The collaboration has also yielded financial benefits, although specific savings figures were not disclosed. The mayor credited the Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) for providing essential funding that facilitated this transition.

Ventnor's mayor followed, discussing the town's proactive approach to securing multiple LEAP grants. One notable grant of $37,500 was allocated for a public safety department trailer, which serves as a mobile command center during emergencies and community events. This trailer is shared among Ventnor, Margate, and Longport, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the municipalities.

The mayor also highlighted ongoing public safety collaborations with neighboring towns, including shared training resources and equipment. A recent acquisition of a forcible entry training mock-up was noted as a valuable asset for joint training exercises, further enhancing public safety capabilities while reducing costs.

Absecon's mayor concluded the meeting by discussing the town's recent LEAP grant aimed at improving their dispatch center, which is critical for public safety operations. The mayor expressed gratitude for the support received through the LEAP program, emphasizing its importance in enhancing service delivery for residents.

Overall, the meeting underscored the effectiveness of shared services in Atlantic County, with participating municipalities reporting improved efficiency and significant cost savings. The collaborative efforts are seen as a model for other towns to follow, promoting a more sustainable and effective approach to local governance.