County Officials Unanimous Against Proposed Additional N.J. Gas Tax

While legislation is pending in Trenton that could implement additional taxes to gas in New Jersey, seven Morris County Freeholders unanimously approved a resolution opposing such a fee.

The governing body voted 7-0 to “strongly oppose” legislation pending the state Senate and Assembly being considered to help raise funds for state transportation infrastructure improvements.

“We already have the highest taxes, so turning to another tax increase is insanity,’’ said Freeholder John Krickus. “As I meet with residents across Morris County, they overwhelmingly want government to cut costs, as discussed in this resolution, and not turn once again to tax increases.”

According to Morris County officials, if implemented, the tax would cost New Jersey family approximately $300 annually.

The resolution states:

Instead of raising the motor fuel tax, “the legislature should reduce expenses by acting on nearly 80 bills that have been introduced to reduce expenses and lighten the tax burden, including bills establishing a new formula for state aid to public schools based on enrollment (A-565), a bill to eliminate bonuses for unused sick pay for public employees (A-158), a bill to allow opt-out of civil service by local governments (A-159), a bill to direct non-dedicated portion of state realty transfer fee collections to municipal property tax relief (A-2333).’’

• The Freeholders strongly oppose the proposed bills and any effort to subsidize the Transportation Trust fund through an increase in motor fuels tax.
• The Freeholders strongly urge the state to scrutinize the operation of its road maintenance and improvement system to increase efficiency and reduce costs to the taxpayer.
• The Freeholders strongly supports legislation to reduce state and local government spending, thereby providing funds for state and local government infrastructure and other pressing needs, such as tax relief and investment in vocational skills and higher education.