Why Do NJ Residents Pay More for Local Government?

A new study by Ball State University's Center for Business and Economic Research claims that New Jersey residents pay roughly $700 per year more for government services than do the residents of Pennsylvania or Connecticut because the state has so many inefficient local governments.

But attempts to significantly consolidate local governments and services have rarely been successful in New Jersey.

Locally, Gloucester Township entered a trash-collection alliance with Cherry Hill and Merchantville in late 2010 to save the township roughly $650,000 over five years.

In Camden County, talk of a regionalized police force has intensified over the past 10 months or so.

But, for the most part, New Jersey residents seem to be anti-consolidation.

Why?

Take our poll and answer this question—If your town were to merge with a neighboring town, which town would be your preference?—in the comments section below.

The Ball State study can be accessed here.