Shared services bill approved by assembly

TRENTON — Taxpayers in municipalities opting for joint or shared municipal court agreements could see immediate benefits under Assemblyman Parker Space’s legislation approved today by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
The bill allows towns to sever court employee contracts when they establish joint or shared municipal courts, saving property taxpayers money. It passed with a 7-0 vote.
“Sharing court duties help towns cut costs and save property taxpayer money,” said Space. “The timing of contracts, however, can prevent taxpayers from reaping the benefit. New Jersey’s over-burdened taxpayers should transcend all other factors in sharing agreements.”
The bill allows early termination of terms of office for certain appointed court positions. When courts are joined or court duties are shared, the demand for space, staffing and supplies are reduced.
Space has been a champion of giving local governments the necessary tools to lower expenses and hold the line on property taxes. In his first term, he sponsored the Common Sense Shared Services Pilot Program Law, which allows for the release of tenured local employees when two or more governmental bodies entered into shared service agreements and joint contracts.