Municipalities in New Jersey considering consolidation were given an incentive under legislation proposed today by Gov. Chris Christie
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Legislation proposed today by Gov. Chris Christie would cover 20 percent of the cost of towns merging, and the towns would be permitted to spread the cost over five years. TRENTON — Municipalities in New Jersey considering consolidation were given an incentive under legislation proposed today by Gov. Chris Christie.
Under the proposal, the state Department of Community Affairs would cover 20 percent of the cost of merging, and the towns would be permitted to spread the cost over five years.
Consolidation has long been looked to as a way to bring down residential property taxes in New Jersey, which are the highest in the nation.
Some contend that home rule in New Jersey — which allows every community to have its own school district, police department and fire department, for example — is an obstacle that almost impossible to overcome.
Few consolidation efforts have been successful among the state’s 566 municipalities. The last one occurred in 1997, when Hardwick absorbed the fewer than than 100 residents of tiny Pahaquarry Township.
"Sensible, locally-driven consolidation must be supported by state government, and that is exactly what we are doing," Christie said in a prepared statement.
He said he was in favor of a proposed merger of Princeton Borough and Princeton Township.
Voters in both places will vote on whether to merge on Nov. 8. The cost of the potential consolidation is $1.7 million, without factoring in the state’s 20 percent grant to cover transition costs.
"The transition costs are a one-time expense and we have identified significant savings from consolidation," Mayor Chad Goerner of Princeton Township said. "The grant will help us achieve these savings faster to benefit all residents of our community."
The Christie administration’s proposal drew support from both the state League of Municipalities and Courage to Connect NJ, a pro-consolidation group today.
"We applaud the legislation," said Bill Dressel, executive director of the League.
