NJ Governor Phil Murphy just made it easier for Margate, Ventnor, Longport and other Atlantic County towns to enter into shared services agreements.
Murphy signed a new, shared services bill into law on Nov. 26.
The bill OK’s sharing of services for positions like municipal clerk, chief financial officer, an assessor, a tax collector and assessors, municipal superintendent of public works without regard to tenure rights.
Governor Murphy: Promoting shared services is a priority of my administration.
This bill takes effect immediately. Sponsors of the legislation include Assembly members Vince Mazzeo and John Armato.
Now easier for Margate, Ventnor and Longport to share services, merge high paid positions and lower taxes.
The newly signed legislation allows municipalities to fire tenured employees and make it easier to re-draw contracts.
According to the Press of Atlantic City, Mayor Holtzman of Ventnor has been unable to fire or downsize tenured employees. Even if their position was no longer needed. Those positions became tenured after 5 years. The new law allows Holtzman to cut where ever she wants.
New Jersey residents pay the highest property tax rates in the nation. Sharing services will provide more taxpayer relief.