Despite a few snags, Princeton merger work continues

Following a November vote by residents of two New Jersey municipalities to merge, a task force is proceeding with plans to combine Princeton Township with Princeton Borough.

Some expenses of the consolidation are higher than anticipated.

More jobs than originally projected are being cut, and that’s boosting the cost of severance packages.

Princeton Township Mayor Chad Goerner says, however, savings from the merger should help control the expense.

“We did have some unexpected voluntary contributions from Princeton University that amount to approximately $500,000, $250,000 per municipality, to help offset transition costs,” Goerner said.

Goerner also anticipates additional savings from combining the township and borough operating budgets.

The merger will take effect in January.

The group Courage to Connect New Jersey has been pushing for years to get more of the state’s 566 municipalities to consolidate. Group members hope what’s happening in Princeton encourages more towns to merge.