BARNEGAT – The Township Committee adopted a new ordinance that spells out exactly what it takes for outside groups to use township facilities.
The move comes after officials decided it was time to put rules on the books that would balance community access with taxpayer protection. For years, local events ranging from charity fundraisers to large private promotions have leaned on municipal resources. Police officers were often called in for traffic control and security, and public works crews handled cleanup afterward. Until now, there was little formal guidance on who should shoulder those costs.
“When we have a township event like the fireworks, the township pays for police overtime,” said Police Chief Jason Carroll. “But what responsibility does the police department have to provide protection for a private event? At some point, the cost has to be offset.”
Carroll reviewed the measure before its unanimous adoption by the Township Committee. No members of the public came forward at the meeting to speak either in favor of or against the new law.
What Changed?
The new law creates Chapter 34 of the township code, titled “Use of Township Facilities.” It establishes a structured application process for organizations, whether nonprofit or for profit, that want to reserve township land, parks, fields, or buildings for their own events.
Applicants must file paperwork at least 90 days in advance, complete with a detailed explanation of the event, anticipated crowd size, and any fees to be charged to participants or spectators. They must also supply a layout of the site and provide proof of insurance naming the township as an additional insured.
Events involving children come with added requirements. Organizers must certify that all staff or volunteers with unsupervised access to minors have undergone successful criminal background checks.
The ordinance also spells out restrictions on what is allowed at township facilities:
- No glass containers, radios, or pets in enclosed park areas
- No drugs or tobacco use
- Alcohol prohibited unless the Township Committee specifically authorizes it by resolution
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and depending on the nature of the event, the township may impose caps on attendance.
Perhaps the most significant change deals with security. The chief of police, or a designee, now has the authority to determine whether off-duty officers are needed for an event. If so, the organizer must cover the costs.
In addition to paying for police services, applicants will owe a $500 nonrefundable fee if off-duty assignments are required. Should the need arise for additional officers or extended hours, the township will issue a final invoice after the event.
School Events
While the new ordinance applies to outside organizations, Carroll noted that the police department already has a longstanding agreement with the Barnegat School District. Each year, the two sides renew a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covering school-related events.
The MOU ensures police presence at major school functions, such as football games, where safety and crowd management are priorities. The school district reimburses the township for overtime costs connected to those events.
“That understanding is in place for the four home football games every fall, along with other arrangements we have with the schools,” Carroll explained. “It’s different than a private event because the school district takes responsibility for those costs through the agreement.”
Other Towns Have Similar Rules
Barnegat’s new rules align with measures already in effect across Ocean County. Stafford also sets clear expectations when private groups want police coverage. Under its code, anyone seeking to hire off-duty Stafford officers must enter into a written agreement with the township. The contract specifies the number of hours, duties, and location of service, and requires advance payment into an escrow account.
In addition to officer compensation, organizers pay administrative fees and costs related to township vehicles or equipment. The ordinance makes it explicit that the police chief decides how many officers are needed, with costs borne entirely by the applicant.
Berkeley takes a slightly different approach through its special event licensing process. Organizers applying for events in Veterans Park or other township facilities must secure a facility-use permit and, if police coverage is required, agree to reimburse the township for officer overtime. The township also charges a $100 special event fee as part of the application, which is filed through the clerk’s office. This system ensures the township is not responsible for the public safety costs associated with private or nonprofit events.
In Toms River, requests for off-duty or “special duty” work must be approved by the police chief, and private organizers must schedule and pay at least three business days in advance; no officer will be dispatched without prepayment.
These local models show a trend, with municipalities shifting the burden of public-safety costs onto the private users of public space. It is no longer enough to “ask” an officer to show up. The ordinances make it clear that the police chief determines how much protection is necessary, with the cost borne by the event organizers.
