The New Jersey State Senate has passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Doherty and Senate President Steve Sweeney that would increase government efficiency and lower the cost to taxpayers, by allowing counties to share tax administrators.

“Inefficiencies at the county level are bleeding taxpayers dry. 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,” Senator Doherty (R-23) said. “I look forward to seeing our communities reap the rewards of this commonsense change.”

S-171 permits counties to share county tax administrators. Current law requires each county to appoint a full-time county tax administrator.

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

According to the New Jersey Association of Counties, several counties have expressed interest in the expansion of opportunities for shared services with their neighbors, including the sharing of county tax administrators.

Roughly 18 percent of property tax bills fund county government, according to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

“Forcing every county in New Jersey to have its own tax administrator has undoubtedly contributed to our property tax crisis,” Senator Doherty said. “By removing this antiquated provision in State law, we can increase government efficiency, save people money, and broaden the knowledge and perspectives these professionals bring to the table. I am grateful to Senate President Sweeney for his leadership on this issue. I hope to see our bill become law as soon as possible.”