State of New Jersey
Executive Order #43

Governor James J. Florio

WHEREAS, property taxes doubled from 1980 to 1989; and

WHEREAS, the 1991 property tax relief program decreased or stabilized property taxes in most municipalities and counties; and

WHEREAS, local governments still face pressure on their budgets; and

WHEREAS, there are numerous opportunities for cost savings by sharing local government services; and

WHEREAS, there exists an urgent need to improve efficiency in the providing of local government services in order that these services may continue without interruption or elimination; and

WHEREAS, inter-local service agreements will serve to improve efficiency so as to ensure the continued vitality and viability of certain local government services;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES J. FLORIO, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. There is hereby established the Governor's Task Force on Local Partnerships (hereinafter referred to as the Task Force) to identify ways in which more inter-local service agreements can occur in New Jersey to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of certain local government services. The Task Force should consider services delivered by municipalities, counties, and regional authorities.

2. The Task Force shall consist of the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs; a member of the Governor's staff; a representative of the League of Municipalities; a representative of the New Jersey Association of Counties; representatives from the private sector; and representatives from the academic community.

3. The responsibilities, functions, and objectives of the Task Force shall include:

a. Reviewing existing statutes dealing with inter-local service agreements.

b. Reviewing current examples of shared local services.

c. Exploring any existing barriers to shared local services.

d. Researching legislation in other states which might serve as models for sharing local services.

e. Making recommendations for regulatory changes, legislation, or administrative actions.

4. The Governor shall appoint an executive director who will report to the Task Force and shall have access to the necessary staff in state government to complete his assignment.

5. The Task Force is authorized to call upon any department, office, division or agency of this State to supply it with data and any other information, personnel or assistance it deems necessary to discharge its duties under this Order. Each department, office, division or agency of this State is hereby required, to the extent not inconsistent with law, to cooperate with the Task Force and furnish it with such information, personnel and assistance as is necessary to accomplish the purpose of this Order. The Attorney General shall act as legal counsel to the Task Force.

6. The Task Force shall periodically report to the Governor and shall submit its final report no later than June 30, 1992.

7. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this
12th day of October in the Year of Our
Lord, one thousand nine hundred and
ninety-one, and of the Independence
of the United States, the two hundred
and sixteenth.

/s/ James J. Florio
GOVERNOR

Attest:

/s/
Andrew Weber
Chief Counsel to the Governor