New Jersey League of Municipalities
Michael Darcy and to his left, Freeholder Joe Vicari
Michael Darcy discussed a number of issues with the mayors, including these.
- The Assembly and Senate have passed S-5/A-3671 transfering management of Police and Fire Retirement System to a Board of Trustees. This will shift control of the fund from balanced labor-management control to a union-dominated structure with the taxpayer still assuming the risks. Michael asked that the mayors call Gov. Murphy to oppose the measure. The number is (609) 292-6000.
- The League is urging reinstatement of the 2% cap on interest arbitration arwards. While many police and fire contracts are resolved through negotiation, others are decided by arbitrators who must no longer honor the 2% increase cap. The result will likely be higher costs for municipal public safety departments.
- The Opiod Crisis has prompted the League to offer a seminar on the insurance and financial impacts of expenses incurred by municipalitiies dealing with the epidemic. The seminar is slated for April 4.
- League task forces are examining the possible consequences of marijuana legalization as proposed by Gov. Murphy. There is no consensus among municipalities on the issue, and the League has not taken a position, From the experience of states where mariuana is legal, one thing stands out, Michael said: uninteded consequences are certain.
The mayors also passed a resolution supporting the reappointment of Joe Coronato as Ocean County Prosecutor. Joe visited the mayors in December along with Sheriff Michael Mastronardi
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.