The Burlington County freeholders voted unanimously to approve the push.
MOUNT HOLLY TWP. -- A unanimous vote by Burlington County freeholders means those collecting a federal or state pension will be banned from employment here, according to the Burlington County Times.
So-called "double-dippers" who have retired and collect a pension -- but still seek employment elsewhere -- would have to put a hold on collection of said pension if they want to work for Burlington County, according to the report, which adds that it may be New Jersey's first-ever effort of its kind.
Both local residents and county officials at Wednesday's meeting voiced support of the initiative, which comes on the heels of a contested freeholder and sheriff's race.
Freeholder candidate and Democrat Reva Foster, who reportedly opposed the measure at Wednesday's meeting, is running against Republican freeholder Latham Tiver, who broached the policy.
Sheriff's elections dominated by 'double-dippers'
Sherriff candidate Jim Kostoplis, a retired police lieutenant and Democrat, is running against incumbent Jean Stanfield. The office pays a salary of $120,000.
According to previous reports, Kostoplis earns a $88,000 pension following his retirement from the Hamilton Township Police Department, in Mercer County. According to philly.com, Stanfield is a lawyer who worked as an assistant county prosecutor and does not collection a pension.
"...the very justifiable criticism he has received is because Kostoplis is currently double-dipping on taxpayers to tune of more than $90,000 a year, and if elected he will more than double his annual income and pocket over $200,000 annually from taxpayers for just one job," county GOP committee spokesman Chris Russell said in an August statement.
According to philly.com, Kostoplis claims he would cost tax payers less if elected because he doesn't plan to collect a $28,000 health and pension package.
According to an NJ Spotlight analysis, 16 out of 21 sheriff's in New Jersey collect county salaries while receiving a pension.
Per the report, current county employees and those with military pensions would not be affected by the new policy.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook.