A commentor from Jamesburg Township noted the potential loss of State aid if school districts were merged. State or county assistance is needed to help municipal officials establish shared service programs. A representative of Highland Park noted that as part-time officials they do not have the time to develop their own programs. An Assemblyman noted that county government is the perfect vehicle for sharing services.
Trash collection is a good example.
He also noted that the local government bidding laws can be an impediment to sharing services. There should be some way to negotiate contracts or use an RFP procedure for shared services. A representative of Helmetta commented that towns should be permitted to pass a single, generic ordinance for sharing services, rather than a separate ordinance for each interlocal program. He also noted the importance of maintaining the local name and sense of identity when sharing services. Another local official agreed the county's involvement is essential but, too often, partisan politics inhibits the county's ability or willingness to help towns.