Work resumed Monday on property tax legislation at the Statehouse, with the Assembly approving a measure that would help prevent tax fraud in the Garden State.

One of the recommendations from last year?s special session on property tax reform was to create the independent office of state comptroller. The Assembly approved the measure to create the office 59 to 18. Sponsors of the bill say the position will ensure tax dollars are efficiently spent from the local level to the governor?s office.

Under the measure, the Cabinet-level comptroller would be appointed to a six-year term by the governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The comptroller would be empowered to perform regular fiscal audits of all state government agencies, independent state authorities and local governments. The new office would cost approximately $6 to $9 million a year. However, Governor Jon Corzine (D-NJ) says the position will save more by combating waste and fraud.

The measure will now head to the Senate.