The Borough of Fanwood and the Borough of Garwood officially launched a shared municipal court on February 1, 2026, marking a new shared service designed to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen regional cooperation between the two communities.
The shared court agreement was approved by both municipalities on December 19, 2025, and brings together judicial services under a single, unified operation. Through this partnership, Fanwood and Garwood will share key appointed positions, including the municipal court judge, prosecutor, and public defender, resulting in meaningful cost savings for both towns.
“This shared court agreement is a smart and responsible step for Fanwood,” said Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr. “By working together with Garwood, we are reducing costs while maintaining the high level of professional judicial services our residents expect. This partnership allows us to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars while continuing to deliver essential services efficiently.” Garwood Mayor Jen Blumenstock emphasized the broader benefits of the collaboration. “This shared services agreement reflects how municipalities can work together to meet today’s budgetary challenges without sacrificing service quality,” Mayor Blumenstock said. “Partnering with Fanwood on a shared court strengthens operations, saves money for both communities, and demonstrates the value of regional cooperation.”
The shared municipal court, including the courtroom, court administrative offices, and all court sessions, is located at 75 North Martine Avenue, Fanwood, New Jersey, 07023, within the Fanwood Borough Municipal Complex. Court operations for both municipalities will be conducted at this location.
As part of the agreement, Fanwood will provide day-to-day court administrative services and operational support for the shared court, including record keeping and administrative functions. Garwood will reimburse Fanwood through an agreed-upon fee for these services, reflecting a fair and efficient allocation of responsibilities between the two municipalities.
By consolidating court operations into one department housed in Fanwood, the municipalities will reduce administrative and overhead expenses while improving operational efficiency. The combined staff and shared facility allow for better use of space, resources, and personnel that were previously divided between two locations.
Shared services agreements have become an increasingly practical approach for New Jersey municipalities facing similar fiscal constraints. This partnership builds on a history of successful shared service initiatives between Fanwood and Garwood and demonstrates how collaboration can deliver tangible benefits to residents.
Importantly, the shared court will continue to provide professional, efficient, and accessible judicial services. Residents of both municipalities will have access to the same court services, now supported by a more integrated and streamlined structure.
