TRENTON – The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today approved a bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon that would pave the way for the state’s first municipal merger plan in 15 years, which will help eliminate duplicative services and provide long-term savings for several municipalities in Bergen County. The legislation would also create a more equitable payment system to offset the loss of revenue for towns in the Hackensack Meadowlands District where development is restricted because of environmentally-sensitive wetlands.
“This plan is designed to cut overall spending, improve the efficiency of services and lower property taxes,” said Senator Gordon (D-Bergen). “Due to the recent cuts in municipal aid and those expected in the future, local governments are under increasing pressure everyday to find ways to do more with less. This plan incorporates a sensible approach to eliminate duplicative services that waste taxpayer dollars.”