Helping N.J. towns challenge state mandates

The New Jersey Legislature says it wants to help towns take action against state mandates that drive up property taxes.

The New Jersey Legislature says it wants to help towns take action against state mandates that drive up property taxes.

Current law allows only individual municipalities to challenge those mandates.

A proposed bill would allow groups representing local and county governments, public safety officers, and first aid volunteers to file complaints with the Council on Local Mandates.

Michael Cerra with the New Jersey League of Municipalities says that will help towns save money.

“Every mandate that hits every community you multiply it by 566 and then add some usually. So I think the savings probably are small savings and it’s a small step. But I think it’s an important step and right now every dime matters”

The Assembly Environment Committee has advanced the bill which now goes to the full Assembly for consideration. It was passed by the state Senate last month.