Proposed bill could phase out certain local services
BY JANE MEGGITT
Staff Writer

UPPER FREEHOLD - Members of the township's Board of Health expressed concern about a state Senate bill that would turn local tax, animal control and public health services over to the county.

At a Nov. 14 meeting, Board of Health members discussed the proposed bill with Jeff Pallatini, the representative from the Freehold Area Health Department (FAHD).

Senate bill 2244, sponsored by Sen. Bob Smith, who represents District 17 in Middlesex and Somerset counties, would require holding a binding statewide referendum by county on whether the county government should assume responsibility for certain municipal functions. The bill would also repeal various sections of law concerning the transfers and terminations of employees of any terminated local health agencies.

According to the bill, which was introduced Oct. 23, the commissioner of community affairs, in conjunction with the director of the N.J. Department of the Treasury's Division of Taxation, shall prepare a comprehensive master plan to phase out in each county local property-tax assessment and collection services, local animal control services and local public health services over the course of two years. The plan would establish the structure for each county to provide those services.

Pallatini said that, under the bill, all actions of local boards of health would be abandoned and transferred to the county level. One problem Pallatini sees with the measure is that New Jersey doesn't have enough public health workers.

According to Pallatini, the bill would also mean that the county would perform public health and environmental inspections. When board member Nancy Amontis asked if that meant that the county would do all septic reviews, Pallatini said that was correct.

Dr. Kathy Stryeski, a veterinarian, chaired the meeting in the absence of Chairman Dr. S. Perrine Dey, and noted that almost the entire town relies on septic systems. She also said that the town could not have found a better animal control officer than Mary Klink.

"I'm scared we are going to lose all this" if the bill becomes law, she said.

Pallatini said the question is whether the bill would be a cost savings or a means of political control.

Stephen Alexander, the board's Township Committee liaison, said that the state's current administration wants to take home rule away from towns. He said while the intent is to reduce the tax burden, it could mean a distinct loss of control on many local issues. He said other regional services could be forced upon municipalities.

Resident Doug Walsh, who was in the audience, said he would be very concerned if the county took over the Board of Health.

"Dealing with the county is not easy at times," he said.

If passed by the state Legislature, the bill would be submitted to the electorate for approval or rejection at the next general election in November. The bill must be approved by the Legislature no less than 70 days before the November election in order for the public to be able to vote on it.