Feb 15, 2005 By Jenny Susa 3 min read

NEWELL – Newell Mayor Nicki Todaro said Monday that the South West Regional Police Department officially signed on the borough of Long Branch as part of their force. She said on Jan. 28, the borough signed a contract for one year, after which they will decide if they want to continue being part of the regional police force.

She told the borough council that Long Branch had contributed radios for the department’s police cars.

In addition to signing on a new borough, Todaro said the force also recently hired two new officers.

In other matters, the council appointed John Mattie to fill the vacant seat on council until the term ends in December. Council members said he will have to run again in May if he chooses to stay on the council. While serving on council, Mattie will chair the finance and purchasing committee.

Council members also discussed the fire tax referendum that was on November’s ballot, but voted down by borough citizens.

Councilman and fire chief Joseph Dandrea Jr. had previously said they were requesting the tax to help with the maintenance of the building and purchase of equipment, and commented that the fire company needed additional funding to function properly.

President James Livingstone said that if they put the referendum out again, it was likely to be voted down a second time.

Although the council made no decision about what avenues the fire company should take to raise money, Kim Houser, who said he has helped the fire company obtain federal and state grants, spoke to the council on the department’s behalf.

He said after a fire company was awarded a grant, it was unlikely for them to be considered in the next few cycles, which could leave them still financially strapped.

“Besides that federal funding they did get, they are basically providing a free municipal service,” said Houser. “With no resource to put money into an account, they can’t raise enough money for a new fire truck on hoagies. You should find a way to get a serious 20-year fund, from which they could buy a truck that would meet requirements at that time.”

Houser pointed out that other communities are “stepping up to the plate” to find ways to increase funding for their fire departments, and he encouraged Newell to do the same.

“The fire department is there no matter what the emergency,” said Houser.

In other business, the council voted to purchase 50 bags of rock salt from DC Auto, at a cost of $250.

The council is also considering companies where they would be able to purchase a storage shed for salt in the years ahead.