At first glance, bipartisan Bill S458, sponsored by Senator Bob Smith (D) and Senator Joseph Kyrillos, Jr. (R), which proposes the consolidation of essential municipal functions by county government, seems like a good idea and a great cost cutting measure for local governments - wrong.  Though the saying goes “the devil is in the details”, in this particular case, “the devil is in the lack of details”.

(View links to both Senate Bill S458 and Resolution in Opposition to Bill S458, at the end of this article.)

The Bill calls for the countywide merger of vital municipal services such as, public health services, tax assessment, tax collection and animal control services, yet crucial financial and procedural data is conspicuously absent from this Bill, failing to provide voters with the fundamental information necessary to make an informed decision.  

Rightfully so, within seventy (70) days of enactment the bill mandates holding a binding Statewide referendum by county, leaving the decision up to the public of weather or not the responsibility for certain municipal functions should be shifted to county government.
Therefore, shortly upon passage, but without decisive information, the public will vote on major legislation, which will ultimately shift control of their tax dollars and vital public services to the county.
 
Furthermore, the bill mandates that the commissioner/director prepare a comprehensive master plan within ninety (90) days of enactment.  Oddly enough, however, this comprehensive plan, inclusive of substantial financial information would not be available
to the public until thirty (30) days after they vote on this major legislation. Where is the transparency?

If signed into law, this bill would have a profound negative impact on the citizens of New Jersey.  This bill as currently drafted will deprive local citizens of efficient and diligent control of their property taxes, expenditures and essential services. The County will inherit the responsibility of indispensable departments an ultimately control their vital services.  

Taxpayers who traditionally benefited from the convenience and expediency of having these key services provided locally; afforded to them through their property tax dollars, by key municipal employees will no longer enjoy this service. Citizens will have to trek out
to the county and be forced to deal with a large and impersonal government bureaucracy.

Societies most vulnerable…the sick and elderly would endure the greatest impact. Sadly, Senior Citizens and homebound /handicap residents will no longer receive the personal care and medical aid currently provided to them through weekly visits from their local public health nurse.

Although urged by two residents to support this Bill.  On February 16, 2010, Edgewater’s Democratic Mayor & Council members chose not to throw its citizens “under the bus” and voted unanimously, by resolution to oppose this Bill.

Prior to the passage of any law, legislatures are obligated to provide transparency.  Unfortunately, in this case our New Jersey legislatures failed to meet this basic commitment.  

Maureen Holtje,
Councilwoman, Edgewater, NJ 

View a PDF copy of US Senate Bill S458

UPDATE: View a PDF copy of RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL S458