(08/10/06) LAKE COMO ? The chief of police in Belmar says less police departments can lead to more savings for taxpayers.

Chief Jack Hill is supporting a plan to consolidate eight local police departments into one unit. The new unit, which will have three separate districts, would be called the South Mountain Police Department. Hill says the consolidated department would offer residents the same level of protection at a lower cost.

However, detractors of the plan say the tax cuts would come at a severe cost to residents. Opponents claim the new department would not be able offer the same service and protection as smaller, individual police departments. A conference will be held with seven other municipalities in September to discuss the proposed plan.

Related information: Lawmakers claim shared resources hold key to lower NJ taxes