Tenafly admin reports potential cost savings from county shared services and a new TVAC medical director

During the administrator's report on Dec. 17, staff described two cost-saving opportunities and a staffing solution for emergency medical oversight.

Administrator noted that a previously identified TVAC medical director position had been vacant due to insurance concerns. Dr. Barbara Straubman of Englewood Hospital has indicated willingness to serve as medical director; Englewood Hospital would provide medical malpractice insurance as a community service, and staff estimated a stipend of roughly $4,000 to cover the role. Administrator said Dr. Straubman has served as medical director for other municipalities and that a meeting will be arranged with TVAC leadership to clarify expectations such as chart review.

On shared services, the county executive offered shared fiber service that would provide connectivity "10 times faster" than current service and cost approximately $150 per month versus the borough's current annual spend of about $15,000. Administrator said the physical fiber is in Tenafly and the council could authorize a resolution to pursue the connection. Separately, initial due diligence with county IT services indicates potential savings of about half the borough's current IT costs, plus firewall management, computer assessments and training; county staff will walk through borough billing for assessment.

Council asked staff to proceed with due diligence; staff said the county IT team will return for a billing walkthrough and the fiber resolution could be placed on a recess agenda to move the process forward.