The question of whether New Jersey municipalities should consider consolidation as a money-saving effort as the state faces economic challenges was discussed during a Tuesday night forum in Waretown.

The event, which was organized by the Waretown Democratic Club, was prompted in part by Gov. Chris Christie’s proposal late last month for state funding to cover the cost of mergers between New Jersey municipalities and drew Southern Ocean County residents and officials, including some from Barnegat, Ocean and Long Beach Island.

 
Under legislation proposed by the governor Sept. 30, the state Department of Community Affairs would pay 20 percent of the cost of consolidation.

 
Gina Genovese, executive director of Courage to Connect New Jersey, a non-partisan, non-profit organization pushing for a more efficient municipal structure in the state, told those in attendance that consolidation may be a viable solution to New Jersey’s economic woes.

 
“Our state is in trouble,” she said. “We as taxpayers are finding it difficult to stay up with taxes escalating every year.”

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