West Milford adopts ordinance setting off‑duty police fees and allows third‑party administrator

The Township of West Milford on March 18 adopted Ordinance 2026‑010 to formalize charges for off‑duty police employment and to permit a secondary service provider to administer scheduling and payment.

The ordinance sets the hourly rate for outside employment at the overtime rate of the officer or $75, whichever is greater, with an additional 10% added “for benefits, supervision, and other overhead.” It also adds §271‑3 allowing the township to contract with a secondary service provider to handle scheduling, invoicing, escrow collection and payment facilitation; the provider may charge additional fees as authorized by contract.

Mayor Michele Dale opened a public hearing on the ordinance; no member of the public spoke. Councilwoman Ada Erik moved adoption and Councilman Michael Chazukow seconded; the council voted aye (Erik, Chazukow, Lichtenberg, Goodsir, Hass, Marsden). The ordinance was introduced March 4 and will take effect April 7, 2026.

Supporters said the change creates clarity for off‑duty employment and a mechanism to ensure payment and administration. The ordinance directs that escrow deposits may be required at least 10 days before a scheduled off‑duty assignment. The secondary provider clause allows the township to outsource job scheduling and collections but requires any additional fees to be set by contract with the township.

The ordinance does not name a specific provider. The council did not discuss a timeline for selecting a vendor at the March 18 meeting.

Next steps: the ordinance becomes effective upon publication and any future contracting with a secondary administrator would be subject to procurement rules and a separate contract approval.