Midland Park February 24, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Local governing bodies have been registering their opposition to the potential expansion of a state pilot plan that could allow the counties to assume duties now handled by individual municipalities’ tax assessors. The Midland Park Council recently followed suit, approving a resolution to oppose any expansion of P.L. 2009, c. 118, which could allow Bergen County to assume the duties for tax assessments and valuations in individual municipalities. P.L. 2009, c. 118 was enacted by the New Jersey Legislature and signed into law by then-Governor Jon Corzine in August 2009. The move created a pilot program in Gloucester County which allowed that county to take over the duties of the municipal assessors. The New Jersey Legislature has been considering an expansion of the pilot program throughout the state, causing widespread concern Council opposes consolidation of tax assessors’ duties over a forced consolidation. According to the resolution approved by the Midland Park Council, the borough “believes that local control of the municipal tax assessment and revaluation function is essential to the municipality’s ability to control costs and effectively budget for the future.” Although not expressly stated in the document, the borough currently controls the process of interviewing and hiring the municipal assessor, determines what that individual is paid, and what, if any, additional staff members are required. The resolution further states the importance of local (continued on page 15) Recycling contract includes $12K savings The Midland Park Council has signed a new contract for the collection of recyclable materials that will save the borough a total of $12,000 over the next two years. Waste Management will charge the borough $95,976 per year for 2010 and 2011 for this service, which is $6,000 less per year than the current annual cost. Borough Administrator Michelle Dugan noted that (continued on page 15) ������������������ Remodeling Renovations & Repairs ����������� ���������������� ����������� ������������� ���������������������� ���� ���������� �������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� �������������������������������� www.hawthornehandyman.com 973-949-4431 �������������������������� ���������������������� ���������� Winter specials available now for a limited time only. Call Robin at 973-636-7000