TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Susan Bass Levin today announced the award of a $135,800 COUNT Grant to Atlantic County. 

“Sharing services is an integral part of increasing government efficiency as well as a vital component of Governor Corzine's property tax reform plan,” said Commissioner Levin.  “This COUNT grant will encourage local government and schools to be more creative as they get the most out of their tax dollars.”

Atlantic County will be using the COUNT grant to fund a Regional Shared Services Coordinator to identify and develop shared service opportunities between the county, its 23 municipalities, 29 school districts and higher education institutions.

"As County Executive I have made sharing of services a key priority,” said Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson.  “This grant will enable us to expand our efforts and provide even greater cost savings and benefits to our taxpayers."

COUNT Grants offer state financial assistance to help county governments facilitate, study, develop, or establish new shared and regional services.  The program is designed to support county developed initiatives to meet the shared service needs of the county and its constituents. 

Atlantic County is the third county to participate in the program.

More information on the COUNT program can be obtained by calling 609-984-7764, or by going online at www.nj.gov/dca/lgs/.