General News
Notice of Adjustment to Statutory Contract Review Thresholds - 06/02/2025
This Notice is being sent on behalf of the Office of the State Comptroller - Public Contracting Oversight Division.
Take notice that, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:15C-10(d), the Office of the State Comptroller, after consultation with the Department of the Treasury, has exercised statutory authority to adjust the threshold amounts set forth in N.J.S.A 52:15C-10 (a) and (b).
Accordingly, as of July 1, 2025, all "contracting units" as defined pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:15C-10(a) shall notify the Office of the State Comptroller of contracts that meet or exceed the below thresholds as follows:
(1) For contracts involving consideration or an expenditure of more than $3,000,000, but less than $15,200,000, no later than 20 business days after the contract award;
(2) For contracts involving consideration or an expenditure of $15,200,000 or more, at the earliest time practicable as the contracting unit commences the procurement process, but no later than the time the contracting unit commences preparation of: any bid specification or request for proposal; concession offering; proposal to purchase, sell, or lease real estate; or other related activities and contracts, but not less than 30 days prior to public advertisement or other public or private solicitation; and
(3) For contracts issued pursuant to an emergency or public exigency involving consideration or an expenditure of more than $3,000,000, no later than 30 business days after the award of a contract.
For additional information, please refer to https://nj.gov/comptroller/about/work/contracting/contracts.shtml.
For questions regarding this program: contracts@osc.nj.gov.
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Commissioner Suarez - Shared Services Symposium - 05/23/2025
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez invites municipal leaders and key decision-makers to attend a virtual Shared Services Symposium that will feature the community benefits of shared service agreements. Attendees will learn how to access funding, and learn about free, expert services available through DCA's Division of Local Government Services Local Assistance Bureau.
Presenters will share their first-hand experiences in successfully navigating shared service agreements and the positive outcomes achieved for their communities including enhanced services, heightened efficiency, improved safety, and reduced costs. They will share unique and creative ideas that shared services may be used.
VIRTUAL SHARED SERVICES SYMPOSIUM
Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Register through this link: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/acd0d617-1a53-4d58-8b99-6a0d6f3422b4@5076c3d1-3802-4b9f-b36a-e0a41bd642a7.
Presenters:
- DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez
- DCA Chief of Staff Kia King
- Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson
- Acting Administrative Director of NJ State Administrative Office of the Courts, previous Atlantic County Judge Michael J. Blee
- Atlantic County Judge Mark H. Sandson
- Mercer County Executive Dan Benson
- Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden
R.S.V.P. required. Click this link to register: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/acd0d617-1a53-4d58-8b99-6a0d6f3422b4@5076c3d1-3802-4b9f-b36a-e0a41bd642a7.
For questions, email: Judith.drucker@dca.nj.gov.
Municipal Clerks, please forward this message to the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Mayor, Shared Services Coordinators, Health Department, Public Safety Director, Municipal Attorney, Court Administrator, Construction Code Officials, Recreation Director, Tax Accessor, Municipal Court Judge, Municipal Auditor, Senior Center Director, and other Municipal Staff interested in learning more about shared service agreements.
Notice sent to: County Managers/Administrators; Municipal Managers/Administrators; Municipal & County Clerks; Municipal & County CFOs; Clerks - County Boards of Commissioners; Public Works Managers; Authority Officials; Fire District Officials; Public Works Managers; Tax Collector; Qualified Purchasing Agents.
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NJHOMES Roadshow Events - 05/21/2025
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) invites key decision-makers to attend NJ Housing Opportunities for Municipal Equity and Success (NJHOMES), an innovative program designed to help municipal leaders successfully plan affordable housing that aligns with their community. It's your opportunity to gain early access to state-supported tools, funding pathways, and technical assistance that can drive growth, meet housing obligations, and strengthen your municipality's future.
ALL ROADSHOW EVENTS ARE 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Wednesday 6/11: Moorestown Town Hall, 111 West 2nd Street Moorestown, NJ
Tuesday 6/17:Essex County, Location TBD
Thursday 6/26: HomeFront,101 Celia Way Ewing, NJ
Presenter: DCA Staff and other State Leaders
Please be advised that this is an invitation-only event with limited seating available. Reservations will be limited to mayors, economic development directors, business administrators, municipal housing liaisons, and municipal attorneys.
R.S.V.P. required. Send an email with the desired event date, your name, title, and municipality/organization to NJHomes@dca.nj.gov.
For questions, email: NJHomes@dca.nj.gov.
Municipal Clerks, please forward this notice only to Economic Development Directors, Municipal Housing Liaisons, Municipal Attorneys, and Mayors.
Notice sent to: Municipal Clerks, Chief Financial Officers, and Municipal Managers/Administrators.
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LEAP Grant Application Deadline Reminder - 05/14/2025
Local government entities are reminded that the deadline to submit a Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) grant application for FY 2025 is May 30, 2025. It is recommended that applications be submitted as soon as possible due to the LEAP program's popularity and funding availability of the FY 2025 LEAP appropriation. Applications initiated in SAGE that are "in-progress" will not be evaluated or considered for LEAP funding if not submitted prior to the deadline.
Grant applications are to be submitted through the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE) at https://dcasage.intelligrants.com/portal.asp under the grant ID Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) 2025. Applications must include a resolution of the lead agency, resolutions of the participant agencies, completed supplemental forms (available at web address below), and a copy of the draft or finalized shared service agreement.
Additional information about FY 2025 LEAP Program Guidelines, Grant Management Guidelines, applications, sample resolutions, supplemental forms and other detailed information is available at: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/Leap_grants.shtml.
Please direct questions to: DLGS.LeapGrant@dca.nj.gov.
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FAST Adopted Budget Certification - 05/02/2025
Similar to prior years, municipalities and counties are reminded that certified copies of adopted budgets are typically made available in July, coinciding with the adoption of the State budget. Tax levy certifications are completed concurrently with budget certifications. Once available, a PDF copy of the certified adopted budget is posted in the FAST system and emailed by FAST to the CFO of the municipality.
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NJLM Mini Conference is Open for Registration - 04/30/2025
The NJLM Mini Conference is a one-day conference held at the Conference Center at Mercer in West Windsor from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Attendees can earn up to
8 CEUs in one day for their professional licenses.
Registration costs are $125 for members and $135 for nonmembers. To register: https://njlm.regfox.com/miniconference.
For additional information, please refer to www.njlm.org/836/NJLM-Mini-Conference.
For questions regarding this program, contact Danielle Holland, Continuing Education Manager at 609-695-3481 ext. 118 or dholland@njlm.org.
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DCA Awards $19.5 Million in LRIG Grants to 246 Local Governments Acros - 04/07/2025
DCA Awards $19.5 Million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants to 246 Local Governments Across the State Grant Funding Will Help Improve Community Centers, Parks, Pools, Recreational Fields, and Walking and Bicycle Trails
TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) today announced the award of $19.517 million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants (LRIG) to counties, municipalities, and school districts across New Jersey to ensure public access to quality outdoor spaces and recreational facilities. The grants were awarded to 246 local governments - 95 of which were first-time LRIG applicants - after a competitive application process.
"Well-maintained parks, playgrounds, trails, and recreational facilities are an important part of what keeps communities vibrant and healthy because they are so often the places where people gather for fun and friendship," said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez. "By helping local governments take care of these resources, the Local Recreation Improvement Grants make it possible for more New Jersey residents to benefit from quality recreation spaces that are essential to human well-being."
Grant recipients will use the funding to help cover costs associated with updating community centers, playgrounds, pools, athletic fields, walking or bicycle trails, rail trails, multi-sport courts, and recreational facilities. The grants can also be utilized for project development professional services such as engineering and architectural costs; equipment costs including playgrounds or bleachers for stadiums or community theaters; and environmental remediation costs required to prepare recreation sites for use.
A full list of the recipients, including grant award and grant project, is posted at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/lriggrants.shtml on the DCA website.
A copy of the FY 2025 Local Recreation Improvement Grant Management Guidelines can also be found at: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/lriggrants.shtml.
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NJLM Offers Spring Webinars on Sick Leave and Police Licensing - 03/13/2025
1.
League Professional Development Webinar
"Accumulated Sick Leave Payouts, Vacation Carryover and Related Issues"
April 11, 2025
10:30a.m.-12:00p.m.
Location: Your Computer
Confusion and Questions are still perplexing municipal officials on how to legally and practically account for Paid Time Off for active and retiring municipal employees. The discussion will include suggestions on calculating Retirement payouts, Sick leave buy-backs and management of vacation carryover.
To aid in the discussion, we ask the audience to submit questions ahead of time. Please send your questions to dholland@njlm.org and use the subject line "Sick Leave Webinar Questions."
Presenters:
Joseph Hannon, Esq., Partner, Genova Burns, LLC, NJLM Labor Counsel Matthew Watkins, NJ Community Solutions; Labor Consultant, NJLM; Retired Administrator
CEUs:
CMFO/CCFO-1.5 Bud, CTC-1.5 Gen/Sec,CPWM-1.5 Govt, RMC-1.5 Fin, QPA-1.5 Off Admin,CPA-1.5 Fin, RPPO/RPPS-1.5 M/S,NJCLE-1.8, PACLE-1.5;SHRM-1.25 PDC
Registration Information:
https://www.njlm.org/calendar.aspx?view=list&year=2025&month=4&day=11.
2.
League Professional Development Webinar
"Police Disciplinary Issues Including Police Licensing"
May 2,2025
9:00am-12:30pm
Location: Your Computer
The discussion will include the different aspects of disciplinary process - investigating and charging, types of discipline, penalties including the concept of progressive discipline, differences between civil service and non- civil service jurisdictions, negotiating settlement agreements including last chance, conducting hearings, and various avenues of appeals of disciplinary matters. The panel will also discuss the new police licensing statute, the requirements on municipalities, its effect on the disciplinary process and other timely legal issues concerning same.
Presenters:
Joseph Hannon, Esq., Partner, Genova Burns, LLC, NJLM Labor Counsel Matthew Watkins, NJ Community Solutions; Labor Consultant, NJLM; Retired Administrator Jim Mets, Esq, Partner, Mets, Schiro & Manetta, LLP
CEUs:
CMFO/CCFO-4.0 Off Mgmt/Anc; CPWM-4.0 Govt;RMC-4.0 Prof Devel;QPA-4.0 Off Admin;CPA-4.0 PD;NJCLE-4.0;PACLE-3.5;SHRM-3.5 PDC
Registration Information:
https://www.njlm.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=434&month=5&year=2025&day=12&calType=0.
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CY 2025/SFY 2026 State Aid Certification - 03/05/2025
On February 25, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy presented his proposed FY 2026 budget to the State Legislature. No municipality will receive less total State formula aid in support of its CY 2025 or SFY 2026 budget than it received in support of its prior year budget.
The State Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposes level funding to all municipalities for Energy Tax Receipts Aid (ETR), Garden State Trust Aid, and Watershed Moratorium Offset Aid.
For further details and to access the CY 2025/SFY 2026 State Aid certifications, please review Local Finance Notice 2025-05 at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/lfns/2025/2025-05.pdf.
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2025 NJ GMIS Technology Education Conference - 03/07/2025
It's time for the 2025 NJ GMIS Technology Education Conference (TEC)!
The TEC is the single best opportunity for people who manage and/or make decisions about local government technology to network with peers and vendors and improve their tech knowledge.
It's also a great opportunity for decision-makers to learn more about technology. Plus, up to 5 CEU credits have been requested from DLGS for our education sessions.
Government employer discount available to non-members!
Join us on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at The Palace at Somerset Park for NJ GMIS TEC 2025!
Details are on the attached flyer or at www.njgmis.org/tec2025lodging.html.
For additional information, please refer to www.njgmis.org/tec2025registration.html.
For questions regarding this program: info@njgmis.org.
Municipal Clerks, please forward this notice to the mayor and other municipal employees the notice pertains to.
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Fall 2025 Exam Date & Location Change - CMFO, CTC & QPA - 02/20/2025
CMFO, CTC & QPA Fall 2025 Exam Date & Location Change
The Division of Local Government Services' 2025 fall exams for Certified Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO), Certified Tax Collector (CTC), and Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) have been rescheduled. The Division will be holding all three (3) exams on November 17, 2025, at the Atlantic City Convention Center. This will allow examinees to take these professional certification exams the day prior to the official start of the Annual League Conference.
The new application deadline for the CMFO, CTC, and QPA exams is October 18, 2025. The examination application deadline is thirty (30) calendar days before the examination date. Applications are considered timely if on or before the application deadline the application is either (1) postmarked by the United States Postal Service (USPS), (2) in the custody of a delivery service company that provides tracking, or (3) is e-mailed to DLGS.Certification@dca.nj.gov by 11:59 pm on the application deadline. Applications e-mailed must be followed with a hard copy and application fee. Applications with no USPS postmark or tracking received after the application deadline will be deemed late and held for the next exam. Dates printed by a postage machine are not accepted as proof of timeliness.
The application deadline is set by statute and there are no exemptions permitted. Acceptance letters will be sent to examinees approximately one (1) week after the application deadline. For questions, please contact DLGS.Certification@dca.nj.gov.
2025 CMFO, CTC & QPA Exam Dates
CERTIFIED MUNICIPAL FINANCE OFFICER (CMFO) EXAMINATION
Exam Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Application Deadline: May 12, 2025
Location: Trenton
Exam Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
Application Deadline: October 18, 2025
Location: Atlantic City
CERTIFIED TAX COLLECTOR (CTC) EXAMINATION
Exam Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Application Deadline: May 5, 2025
Location: Trenton
Exam Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
Application Deadline: October 18, 2025
Location: Atlantic City
QUALIFIED PURCHASING AGENT (QPA) EXAMINATION
Exam Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Application Deadline: May 26, 2025
Location: Trenton
Exam Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
Application Deadline: October 18, 2025
Location: Atlantic City
Municipal Clerks, please forward this to the appropriate staff that may be taking the exam.
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NEW WORKSHOP! Preservation in Practice: A Primer for Historic Preserva - 02/11/2025
This Notice is being sent on behalf of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Center for the Humanities at Rutgers University-Camden
NEW WORKSHOP! Preservation in Practice: A Primer for Historic Preservation Commissions and Planners
This one-day workshop is open to all preservationists, but it is specifically geared toward those serving on a local commission. This program is designed to benefit both new and experienced commission members and will also be relevant for planning and zoning board members and elected officials. The workshop provides an in-depth examination of current topics and issues relevant to integrating preservation into community planning and zoning. The focus will be on legal parameters for implementing a commission, conducting an effective public meeting, and understanding and implementing tools to foster good preservation at the local level. This workshop is offered thanks in part to the Cambridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center and the New Jersey Historic Trust.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cambridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Chapel
255 East Main Street
Moorestown, NJ 08057
To Register: https://ce-catalog.rutgers.edu/coursedisplay.cfm?schID=94526.
For additional information, please refer to https://preservation.rutgers.edu/spring-2025-workshop/.
For questions regarding this program: preservation@camden.rutgers.edu.
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"The Powers & Duties of the Municipal Governing Body" - 02/18/2025
Rutgers University Center for Government Services "The Powers & Duties of the Municipal Governing Body" Course
This Notice is being sent on behalf of: Rutgers University Center for Government Services
Dear Municipal Clerks:
Rutgers University Center for Government Services is pleased to present an online program for elected municipal officials "The Powers & Duties of the Municipal Governing Body". This seminar provides governing body members with an overview of municipal government and the multitude of challenges affecting its efficient, timely and ethical operations.
The six-hour seminar covers essential components of the administration of municipal government. It familiarizes students with the breadth and depth of governing body responsibilities. It also provides basic information about the legislative, regulatory, financial, legal, and ethical environments in which municipal governments exist. Most importantly, it imparts a sense of when to question the administrative processes that involve the participation of the governing body.
Instructed by an experienced professional, the session brings real-life applications and insights to better understand the nuances of public service in government. This program has been specifically designed to address the needs and interests of elected officials serving in their respective communities. The program has been approved by DCA/DLGS for continuing education credits for CMFO, CCFO, CTC, CPWM, RMC, & QPA.
There are two online offerings scheduled on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, and Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm via Webex. The link to the webinar will be sent out after registration is completed.
For additional information, please refer to https://cgs.rutgers.edu/programs/elected-officials.
For questions regarding this program: cgs@docs.rutgers.edu.
Municipal Clerks, please forward to Council & Mayor.
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Rutgers University Center for Government Services: 55th Public Purchas - 02/06/2025
Rutgers University Center for Government Services is pleased to present the 55th Annual Public Purchasing Educational Forum. The Forum program offers purchasing professionals the latest and most relevant industry insights, the opportunity to earn up to 10 CEUs, and a valuable platform to network with peers and vendors. The event is scheduled on April 29, 30, and May 1, 2025, at the Resorts Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City.
Enhance your Forum experience by attending the pre-conference seminar, "Green Purchasing: The Purchasing Professional's Guide to Sustainability" (3 CEUs). Presented by Sustainable Jersey, this informative session explores essential resources for a wide range of sustainable purchasing initiatives, including eco-friendly supplies, clean energy procurement, energy-efficient building upgrades, and fleet electrification. Join us on April 29 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM.
We also offer a Valenti/Stanton Scholarship for the new QPAs. The principal aim of this scholarship is to offer financial support to the recently certified QPAs to attend the Annual Rutgers University Public Purchasing Educational Forum.
For additional information and to register: https://cgs.rutgers.edu/programs/public-purchasing-educational-forum.
For questions regarding this program: cgs@docs.rutgers.edu.
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New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller Regulation Readoption and R - 02/03/2025
TRENTON - The Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) today announced the readoption and recodification of its regulations, along with rule amendments to improve and clarify the agency's oversight of public contracting and the NJ Medicaid program and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse of tax dollars. The Notice of Adoption can be found at R.2025 d.021, with recodification at N.J.A.C. 19:70.
The recodified rules, which represent the first amendments since the agency's creation in 2008, clarify the public contracting requirements and processes for governmental entities.
Specifically, OSC's Procurement Division has been renamed the Public Contracting Oversight (PCO) Division (link), the amendments clarify their applicability to cooperative purchasing systems as well as amendments, extensions, modifications, change orders, and renewals of contracts, they clarify the advisory, consultative, and deliberative nature of information communicated between OSC and contracting units during procurement reviews, and they require public entities seeking to award insurance contracts using the extraordinary unspecifiable services exception to bidding (meaning without a publicly advertised bidding process) must submit to OSC insurance broker contracts as part of the procurement review. By law, public entities must continue to send proposed contracts valued between $2.5 million and $12.5 million to OSC for post-award review, and proposed procurements above $12.5 million to OSC for pre-advertisement review, except for contracts funded by EO125 or EO166 which should be submitted to OSC according to the executive order, and emergency contracts meeting the cost threshold which should be submitted to OSC post-award.
The recodified rules were based on feedback from the public and stakeholders to clarify and improve existing policies and procedures.
For Additional Information Please Refer to: https://nj.gov/comptroller/about/rules/.
For Questions Please Contact: contracts@osc.nj.gov.
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