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Southampton reviews draft shared‑services EMS agreement after Tabernacle staffing shortfalls
Summary
Township administrators reviewed a draft shared‑services agreement on Aug. 19 after Hampton Lakes Emergency Squad reported covering dozens of calls for neighboring towns due to Tabernacle staffing gaps; the township said it will consider an agreement only if Lumberton EMS returns as a partner and terms are finalized within 90 days.
Township Administrator Brandon Umba told the Southampton Township Committee on Aug. 19 that the township will only consider a shared‑services emergency‑medical‑services (EMS) agreement with Tabernacle and Shamong if another EMS partner returns to the coverage model that previously existed.
"Southampton Township determined that a full merger with Tabernacle Emergency Squad ... was not feasible," Umba said while reading Exhibit A into the record, citing concerns that a merger would overextend Hampton Lakes Emergency Squad’s capacity. The township declined a full merger earlier this year but is reviewing a draft shared‑services agreement in executive session.
The statement said staffing and response figures differ markedly: Tabernacle Rescue Squad was reported to have about 20 volunteer members and no paid staff, while Hampton Lakes Emergency Squad began 2025 with 57 members: three full‑time, 34 per‑diem and 20 volunteers. That staffing mix, the statement said, had supported a transition from contracted service to a Township‑based squad and allowed Hampton Lakes to respond to other municipalities through mutual aid.
Umba said Hampton Lakes has covered approximately 35% of EMS calls in Tabernacle and Shamong so far this year, 47% of calls in Woodland Township and 8% of calls in Pemberton Township. The township’s participation in any shared arrangement, the statement said, would be contingent on Lumberton Emergency Squad resuming the daytime coverage it provided previously.
The Committee entered executive session to review a draft agreement; officials did not take public action on the matter during the Aug. 19 meeting. Umba said the parties have 90 days from the notice provided to Tabernacle Emergency Squad to finalize mutually acceptable terms. The township emphasized that its primary priority is maintaining daytime coverage and not compromising service levels for Southampton residents.
Next steps: the Committee reviewed the draft in executive session and may revisit the issue in regular session if negotiators reach a framework that preserves Hampton Lakes’ capacity and includes other partner agencies as necessary.
