N.J.S.A. 40A:4-84 permits the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to impose a fine on municipal or county governing body members for refusing or failing to timely adopt their budgets. At the January 14 Local Finance Board meeting, the board acted on the Division of Local Government Services Director’s decision to fine some mayors and governing body members for late budget introductions. In some cases, the fines were only levied on the governing body members as the mayor transmitted the budget in time, and the governing body failed to take action. In other cases, the fines were levied on both the governing body and the mayor. The Local Finance Board upheld most of the Director’s decisions but did overturn a decision and held another.
With the implementation of P.L. 2025, c. 185, the fine is $100 per day after the date fixed for final action or refusal to comply continues. The fine is a personal fine of the member of the governing body and cannot be paid by the municipality or county.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.