Ciattrelli Vows Support for Princeton Consolidation

Jack Ciattarelli, who represents District 16 in the NJ assembly, told Princeton officials on Tuesday that they have his full support in the move towards consolidation.

“The way you have gone about this process has been a model for the state,” Ciattarelli told members of the Princeton Joint Services and Consolidation Study Commission.

Specifically, Ciattarelli plans to shepherd legislation- Bill A471-  through the Assembly.

“What this proposed legislation will do is allow the upfront non-recurring expenses specific to the consolidation of two municipalities into one to be amortized over five years," Ciattarelli said. 

He also plans to introduce amendments to the bill that would have the state pick up the cost of the first year of transition costs and also allow municipalities entering into shared services agreement to reap the benefits as well.

Commission member and borough resident Ryan Lillianthal said he believes the state should pay for more than 20 percent of transition costs if it wants to encourage municipal consolidation.

“I think in these times where every government is stretched thin, I think 20 percent is significant,” Ciattarelli said “I think the reason you’ve been so successful here is you’ve gotten people to take the long term view. It’s not one year of savings, it’s not two years, it’s forever.”

No matter what happens with the proposed legislation, Princeton already has Gov. Chris Christie's committment to cover the first year of consolidation transition costs, in the form of a grant from the Department of Community Affairs, Goerner said.