Bergen Rejects Plan to Police Demarest

Bergen County officials have rejected a plan to have the county handle policing in a northern New Jersey town that voted to dissolve its police department.

The Record newspaper reports that the Bergen County Freeholders board voted 4-3 Friday to reject a contract that would have the Bergen County Police handle law enforcement in Demarest.

Demarest officials voted earlier this month to dissolve the town's 13-member police force, believing it could save $400,000 a year in costs by merging with the Bergen County police.

In addition to the county police, Bergen County has more than 60 police departments and a sheriff's department.

State officials have been urging consolidation as a way to save taxpayer money.

Freeholders who oppose the merger said the proposed savings aren't clear enough.