In a radio broadcast Monday morning, Gov. Jon S. Corzine said that legislators’ proposals for property tax reform are contingent upon their approval of bills to create a state comptroller and to establish a 4 percent property tax cap.

Neither proposal has moved in the Senate.

Cap Bill On Thursday, Senate President Richard J. Codey is expected to introduce a bill that would provide property tax credits to homeowners and establish 4 percent caps on the growth in school, municipal, county and fire district property taxes.

The legislation also may reflect some of the provisions of the “super” county superintendent bill, which is stalled in the Senate. The proposed cap is expected to allow for limited adjustments and would permit overcap ballot questions, which would require a super-majority voter approval of 60 percent.

NJSBA believes that restrictive caps on property tax increases combined with consistent underfunding of state aid would lead to education program cuts.

State Comptroller On Monday, the Senate did not take action on a bill to create the position of a state comptroller, appointed by the governor. The comptroller would conduct financial audits and performance reviews of state and local governments, including school districts.

The Assembly passed a state comptroller bill earlier this month. The Senate is expected to amend the proposal and may reduce the scope of state comptroller audits of local governments and school districts. Local school boards must already secure independent audits of their budgets and are subject to financial oversight by the state Department of Education.