Cryan Bill to Promote More Shared Services to Control Property Taxes Approved by Assembly

(Trenton) - A resolution Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan sponsored to promote more shared services among the state's municipalities, counties and school boards to combat property taxes was approved 74-0 Monday by the Assembly.

The bill (AR-82) urges county and local governments to meet with each other regularly to discuss shared services and efficiencies.

"We know local governments have done a lot to promote shared services in recent years, but regular discussions amongst themselves with the goal of formulating and communicating shared service opportunities is a must," said Cryan (D-Union). "Anything that can promote cooperation and open the door to more shared services opportunities is a good thing."

The resolution also suggests that the Departments of Community Affairs and Education should provide guidance and assistance, where requested, to foster the sharing of services and collaboration of efforts to address local needs.

"If we're to use shared services and efficiencies to control property taxes, then we also need regular conversations about how best to do it," Cryan said. "Local governments need to be meeting and talking constantly."