When I came across this today, I honestly couldn't believe what I was reading. At a time when the country is in a deep recession, and on the heels of our incompetent Governor having proposed $1.5B in tax increases, the elimination of property tax rebates and the property tax deduction, Bergen Executive Dennis McNerney is looking to increase property taxes as his budget goes UP 4%.

Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney is proposing property tax hikes and the elimination of county jobs to cover a 4 percent budget increase totaling $18.9 million.

Under his plan, the average Bergen County household would pay $30 more in property taxes during the 2009-2010 tax cycle.

McNerney is expected to present his $480 million budget proposal to the freeholder board Wednesday afternoon. He is requesting that the freeholders approve a $22.5 million increase in the tax levy.

McNerney oversaw a $23 million hike in taxes last year as well.

As usual, New Jersey taxpayers, who simply can't afford it anymore, are being asked to pony up more due to the incompetence of people like McNerney and unions who have lined their pockets by knowing how to play the system. But don't worry, McCnerney thinks consolidating towns is the solution, not standing up to special interests that represent government workers.

Just disgraceful.