Written by  JASON METHOD

New Jersey Press Media

Sweeney's anticipated legislation would call for a loss in some or all state aid to municipalities, counties or school districts where after a little-known state commission has presented a cost-savings plan voters reject it or officials delay in implementing it.

Under the proposal, finalized Tuesday and obtained by New Jersey Press Media, the state commission would offer cost-saving recommendations to local governments, and could even recommend a consolidation, regardless of whether the municipalities sought such a move.

Although the idea that the state should reduce its 1,500 local government entities has long been touted by pundits and sometimes mentioned by elected officials, there has never been a major push for governments to merge or substantially consolidate operations.

Such shared service arrangements could include everything from merging police departments to sharing garbage trucks to buying paper in bulk.

Sweeney's proposal would not pull state aid from municipalities that refuse to merge or school districts that don't regionalize. But it represents the first effort from Trenton to practically order reductions in government operations.

In comments Monday, Sweeney called for broad cooperation among government entities and a corresponding cut in spending.

"I honestly believe everything can be shared, and we not only need to look town to town, but county to county, and regionally, rather than being so narrow-minded and into your own backyard," Sweeney sai