Assembly Candidate Jeffrey Brown Calls for Increase in Shared Services Agreements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

East Brunswick, NJ– District 18 candidate for State Assembly, Jeffrey Brown released the following statement calling for an increase in the number of shared services agreements among New Jersey municipalities, to stabilize property taxes and lead to a long-term fix in New Jersey’s affordability crisis.

According to the Department of Community Affairs, shared services agreements have saved NJ taxpayers $28 million since 2011, in the limited capacity they are currently implemented.

“With 565 home rule municipalities, some with populations under 1,000 people, New Jersey has developed an inefficient model for local government, that directly contributes to high property taxes and the current fiscal crisis facing our state.”  Stated Brown.  “Shared services agreements allow for the pooling of resources and consolidation of services between municipalities, resulting in a reduction of administrative and overhead costs, while preserving home rule.”

“While shared services agreements have netted New Jersey taxpayer’s significant savings, the scope of the agreements must be greatly enhanced to allow for the maximum savings for New Jersey Taxpayers.  Regional agreements between three or more municipalities and agreements between two or more municipalities with populations over 15,000 will allow for the maximum taxpayer savings.  If elected to the Assembly, I look forward to being a leader in this area, both in the 18^th district and across New Jersey.

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