The public will have a chance to weigh in on a controversial proposal to merge the county police department with the sheriff’s office at a forum in Teaneck Tuesday night. 

Democratic Freeholders David Ganz and Joan Voss announced they would hold a countywide series of “listening tours” on the proposed consolidation. The freeholders voted earlier this month to put a non-binding merger referendum on the November ballot and passed an ordinance on first reading to immediately disband the police department, merging its functions with the sheriff's office.

County Executive Kathleen Donovan, an outspoken opponent of the merger, filed a legal challenge to block the ballot question and the merger.

“We have already heard from the elected officials,” Ganz said in a statement. “Now it’s time to hear what the people of Bergen County have to say.”

Ganz has said he would not vote for a second reading to dissolve the county police unless the issue goes to a public vote and the listening tour is completed.

The first stop in the tour is set for Monday at the Oakland Senior Center, starting at 6 p.m. The Teaneck forum will be held Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Richard Rodda Community Center, Multipurpose Room 1.

The freeholders also announced they will accept comments by email at bergenlisteningtour@gmail.com and share the responses with the full board. 

Related stories: 

• Freeholders Vote to Dissolve Bergen County Police
• Donovan Sues Freeholders to Stop County Police Merger
• Donovan, Saudino Spar As Task Force Rejects Cutting County Police
• The Fight Over The Future Of A $22 Million Police Department

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