METUCHEN Leaders of 14 small towns and school districts rallied last Thursday against a proposal that could require them to merge services, arguing the measure would ruin their communities’ ambiance without saving taxpayers a dime. The proposal is being considered by state lawmakers as a move to cut costs and lower property taxes, which average $6,000 per homeowner statewide. “No one knows more than mayors that property taxes are a problem in our state,” said Highland Park Mayor Meryl Frank. “If there were savings here, who do you think would be pushing for consolidation? It would be us.” The group vowed to fight a proposal that would create a panel to recommend to voters towns that should merge. Under one version of the plan, a no vote could result in a loss of state aid for the municipality. The Assembly approved a version of the measure, but it remains stalled in the Senate despite legislative leaders’ efforts to fast-track it. Glen Ridge Mayor Carl Bergmanson said that’s because small communities and school districts “can move and adjust in ways to save our taxpayers money.” He said towns and schools across the state already share services and equipment when it makes economic sense to do so. Asked if there were money-saving alternatives to consolidation, O’Brien ticked off several: regionalize special education; get the federal government to fully fund disability education, which he said would save communities millions; and control state spending and state-mandated spending. For example, he said Metuchen was being forced to complete security upgrades at borough hall, which the state is requiring but not paying for.