Hackensack joins Teaneck and Englewood in applying for $150,000 LEAP grant to study possible fire-department consolidation

Hackensack — The Hackensack City Council on April 6 approved a resolution authorizing the city to join Teaneck and Englewood in applying for a Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) grant of about $150,000 to fund an independent feasibility study of the three municipalities' fire departments.

City Manager (Mr. Freeman) told council members the grant, if awarded, would pay for a thorough analyst review of each department and the municipalities—examining hazards, building types, population served, equipment and staffing—to determine whether a merged department would be feasible and where cost savings or efficiencies might occur. He emphasized the vote authorizes only a grant application and the study itself; it "is not combining anything," he said.

The council approved the resolution by roll call. The measure directs the city manager's office to submit the joint application to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and, if the grant is awarded, to return to the council with the study scope and any recommended next steps.

Why it matters: A feasibility study can inform long-term operational and budget decisions for emergency services. If the study recommends consolidation, subsequent decisions would require additional council approvals and public process; the April 6 vote does not bind the city to any merger.

Next steps: The city manager's office will submit the application; the resolution text instructs staff to proceed only to the study phase and to report back to council with results and recommendations if the grant is awarded.