WARREN COUNTY, NJ – At the Warren County Board of County Commissioners meeting on February 26, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution opposing Assembly Bill 919 and Senate Bill 1518 (A-919/S-1518), which propose new procedures and standards for public services privatization contracts.
The Warren County Commissioners believe these bills would significantly restrict the ability of counties, municipalities, and school districts to maintain financially responsible budgets. Salaries, wages, pensions, and health benefits make up approximately 65% of overall operating budgets, and privatization contracts have proven to be a crucial tool for achieving cost savings and effectively managing expenses.
By mandating that county governments pay newly hired employees’ wages and benefits at a rate no less than those of the previous employee, A-919/S-1518 would force costs to continually rise, diminishing counties’ ability to make important financial and operational decisions.
At a time when counties, municipalities, and school districts across the state are facing double-digit increases in health benefits, rising pension payments, utility expenses, insurance costs, and other financial pressures, this legislation removes one of the few available tools to help control spending and reduce the property tax burden on residents.
The Board also raised concerns about the bill creating an unnecessary bureaucratic obstacle by requiring the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) to review and approve privatization contracts. The Commissioners emphasized that local governments should retain the autonomy to make financial and operational decisions that best serve their constituents.
