New Jersey State League of Municipalities
In his annual visit with the mayors, Bill outlined some state level issues that will impact local governments. At the top of the list was arbitration awards that were capped by law at 2% at the same time the Governor and Legislature capped municipal budgets. Unlike the budget cap, however, the arbitration cap will sunset later this year. The problem for municipalities is contract negotiations with police and fire personnel which, if agreements cannot be reached, are subject to compulsory arbitration. Prior to the cap arbitration awards were budget-busters for many communities. Bill urged the mayors to contact their state legislators directly and urge an extension of the arbitration cap at the current 2%. Bill also recommended that we call our senators and assembly representatives and urge them to oppose efforts spearheaded by N.J. Senate President Sweeney to develop mandatory recommendations for local consolidation and shared services. According to Bill, Sen. Sweeney suggested non-compliant governments should face a cutoff of state revenue and perhaps even a zero-percent budget cap.
At the meeting, the mayors approved two resolutions: one supporting the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordibility Act and another calling for a permanent 2% cap on interest arbitration awards.
The Ocean County Mayors’ Association has been found tax exempt by the IRS. Donations are deductible. Documentation of this determination and related financial disclosure documents are available for public examination. The Ocean County Mayors’ Association has been found tax exempt by the IRS. Donations are deductible. Documentation of this determination and related financial disclosure documents are available for public examination.