(WHITE TWP., NJ – February 26, 2025) – At the Warren County Board of County Commissioners meeting on February 26, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution opposing Assembly Bill 919 and Senate Bill 1518 (A-919/S-1518), which seek to impose new procedures and standards on public services privatization contracts.

 The Warren County Commissioners believe this legislation would significantly limit the ability of counties, municipalities, and school districts to operate financially responsible budgets. Salaries, wages, pensions, and health benefits make up approximately 65% of overall operating budgets, and privatization contracts are a vital tool for achieving cost savings and managing costs effectively.

By mandating that county governments pay newly hired employees' wages and benefits at a rate no less than those of the previous employee A-919/S-1518 would force spending to continually increase and strip away counties’ ability to make important financial and operational decisions.

At a time when counties, municipalities, and school districts across the state are facing double-digit increases in health benefits, rising pension payments, utility expenses, insurance costs, and other financial pressures, this legislation removes one of the few available tools to help control spending and reduce the property tax burden on residents.

Additionally, the Board expressed concerns that the bill would create an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle by requiring the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) to review and approve privatization contracts. The Commissioners emphasized that local governments should retain autonomy in making financial and operational decisions that best serve their constituents.