Stone Harbor Explores Shared Services Agreement with Wildwood Crest

STONE HARBOR, NJ — The Stone Harbor Borough Council is considering a shared services agreement with Wildwood Crest for uniform construction code services, aimed at addressing staffing changes and budget constraints. At the April 1 council meeting, Administration and Finance Chair Jennifer Gensemer outlined the dual benefits of the proposed agreement. It would help manage staffing changes in the construction office, including the retirement of the construction official. Additionally, it would allow certain expenses in the construction office to move outside the state’s appropriation cap process, which has been limiting Stone Harbor’s budget flexibility. To address immediate needs, the borough has awarded an emergency contract to Trinity Inspection Services LLC for plumbing and electrical subcode work. This temporary arrangement ensures that Stone Harbor remains in compliance with state construction code requirements while finalizing the shared services agreement. Gensemer explained that the plumbing subcode official is retiring, and the electrical subcode official is transitioning to employment with Trinity. The payment terms for Trinity will continue through the end of this year, with a formal bidding process planned for 2026. This emergency award allows the borough to maintain essential services without disruption during the transition.