Doherty Bill Allowing Counties to Share Tax Administrators Clears Committee

The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee passed legislation today sponsored by Senator Mike Doherty that would increase government efficiency and lower the cost to taxpayers by allowing counties to share tax administrators.

“Inefficiencies at the county level are costing taxpayers their hard earned dollars,” said Doherty (R-23). “We must seize every opportunity to encourage local governments to share services and bring these costs down. Allowing counties to share a tax administrator is a great start, and I look forward to seeing our communities reap the rewards of this commonsense change.”

Under current law, each county is required to appoint a full-time tax administrator. Doherty’s bill, S-668, would permit two or more adjoining counties to share a tax administrator.

The average salary for a New Jersey county tax administrator is $120,000-$150,000, not including the cost of pensions and health benefits. County governments must also pay for clerical assistants, as well as the operations and management of an office.

“Forcing every county in New Jersey to have its own tax administrator has undoubtedly contributed to our property tax crisis,” added Doherty. “By removing this outdated provision in State law, we can increase government efficiency and save taxpayers money.”