Brigantine Begins Formal Review of County Court Option

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 5, 2025

BRIGANTINE – Brigantine City Council is currently reviewing the potential cost savings and service impacts associated with joining the Atlantic County Municipal Court system. This evaluation is part of a deliberate and thorough process to ensure that any decision made is in the best interest of the Brigantine community.

In 2022, County officials presented the concept of a county-wide municipal court to Brigantine City Council. At the time, the court was newly formed, and county representatives were unable to answer many of Council’s questions. As a result, City Council decided to give the court time to become fully operational before reconsidering the proposal.

Three years later, the City is re-engaging in the conversation. Brigantine has shared its municipal court financial records with the County and is now waiting to receive updated financial data in return. Once those figures are received and reviewed, the City will schedule a public presentation by county representatives at an upcoming City Council meeting. The goal is to ensure full transparency and allow for public input as Council examines this important issue.

“Our municipal court provides high-quality, efficient service tailored to the Brigantine community,” said Mayor Vince Sera. “Before we make any changes, we need to be confident that service levels won’t suffer and that potential cost savings are real and meaningful.”

One area of concern raised in previous reviews was the County’s failure to account for overtime costs incurred when scheduling police officers for court appearances. Brigantine currently minimizes these expenses by scheduling cases on days when officers are already working—a practice that significantly reduces costs for taxpayers.

Brigantine’s municipal court is widely recognized as one of the most efficient and well-managed courts in New Jersey. Its small size allows staff to remain focused on the unique needs of the local community, ensuring that every case receives appropriate attention.

In contrast, there are ongoing concerns about the Atlantic County Municipal Court’s capacity to serve smaller municipalities effectively. Some participating towns have reported issues with backlogs and delays due to the court’s large caseload and limited staffing. Brigantine officials are concerned that the city’s needs could be overlooked in a system that appears to prioritize larger municipalities.

“Brigantine’s court is not just about efficiency—it’s about community,” added Mayor Sera. “We’re proud of the personal attention our residents receive, and we’re cautious about giving that up.”

City Council will continue to keep the public informed as the evaluation process moves forward. Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming presentation once it is scheduled and to share their feedback.