Form of Government

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MAYOR-COUNCIL PLAN

Pemberton Township's form of government is the "Mayor-Council Plan" under the Optional Charter Plan (Faulkner Act), NJSA 40:69A.  The Township is governed by an elected Council and an elected Mayor which serve for a term of four years.

COUNCIL:  Legislative Power

The legislative power of the municipality shall be exercised by the municipal Council, subject to the procedures set forth in the plan of government.  Legislative powers shall be exercised by ordinance, except for the exercise of those powers that, under this plan of government do not require action of the Mayor as a condition of approval for the exercise thereof, and may, therefore, be exercised by resolution, included, but not limited to:

  • The override of a veto of the mayor
  • The exercise of advice and consent to actions of the mayor
  • The conduct of a legislative inquiry or investigation
  • The removal of any municipal officer for cause
  • The adoption of rules for the Council
  • The establishment of times and places for Council meetings
  • The establishment of the Council as a committee of the whole
  • The declaration of emergencies respecting the passage of ordinances
  • Approval of contracts presented by the Mayor
  • Invocation of investigative powers
MAYOR:  Executive Power & Duties

The executive power of the municipality shall be exercised by the Mayor, subject to the procedures set forth in this plan of government.  The mayor's following duties include but are not limited to:

  • Enforces the charter and ordinances of the municipality and all general laws
  • Reports annually to the Council and public on the state of the municipality
  • Supervises, directs and controls all departments of the municipal government
  • Prepares and submits to Council for its consideration and adoption the municipal budget
  • Signs all contracts, bonds or other instruments requiring the consent of the municipality
  • Negotiates contracts for the municipality subject to Council approval
  • Approves ordinances adopted by Council or vetoes same, subject to the overriding of said veto, by Council
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR:  Executive Powers & Duties

The Department of Administration shall be headed by the Business Administrator, who shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Council, and whose terms of office shall be co-extensive with the term of the Mayor.  The Business Administrator's duties include but are not limited to:

  • Shall head the department of administration, responsible to the Mayor for administration of certain Township business affairs
  • Develop and administer a sound personnel program
  • Administer a centralized purchasing system
  • Assist in the preparation of the annual proposed budget and capital improvement program to be submitted by the Mayor to the Council
  • Perform such other duties as may be prescribed