There’s been talk in recent years about New Jersey towns sharing services in order to save money. In Camden County, one town is actually thinking about a full blown merger with a larger neighbor.

KYW’s David Madden reports a petition drive in Merchantville calling for a merger with Cherry Hill is gaining enough steam for the Merchantville mayor to ask for the people’s input. He’s talked to his counterpart in Cherry Hill about it.

Dan Keashen is chief of staff to Cherry Hill Mayor Bernie Platt and says nothing at this point is set:

“A number of things have to happen first and one of those things would be an in depth study showing all the financial analysis of both towns.”

That study could cost about $100,000 and Merchantville Mayor Frank North in an open letter posted on the borough’s web site suggests either the state foot the bill or both towns share it. Any merger would require a final vote from residents of both communities.