Part of Governor Jon Corzine?s (D-NJ) plan to cut property taxes includes the consolidation of towns and the sharing of town services, which has some residents in small towns worried.

Lawmakers responded to the fears of town leaders and residents by taking forced consolidation off the table and making it optional. Many Chatham officials and residents are breathing easier now that the town won?t be forced to merge with another municipality. The small town?s leaders say if they were forced to consolidate, the town would lose its identity and possibly its name.

Even though the issue of forced consolidation is off the table, Chatham officials are hesitant to share all of the town?s services, such the police or fire departments. Chatham?s mayor says he?s not against sharing, but he would like lawmakers to look at hard numbers before any changes are made.

For an extended interview with the Chatham Borough mayor, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.