LFN 2026-05 explains the impact of recently enacted P.L. 2025 c.185, which amends several key statutory provisions relating to budget and AFS submission deadlines, audit deadlines, filling vacancies in statutory positions requiring DLGS certification, and the mailing of estimated tax bills.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - PLEASE DELIVER TO THE APPROPRIATE PERSONNEL ASAP

On December 2, 2025, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) announced that applications are being accepted for the Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) Program that is being offered to New Jersey counties, municipalities, and school districts. $10 million was allocated in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to this competitive grant program that supports improvement and repair of public recreation facilities including local parks, municipal recreation centers, and local stadiums.

This is a reminder that if your application status on the NJDCA SAGE Portal indicates APPLICATION IN PROCESS you must select the SUBMIT APPLICATION on the application menu page no later than

5:00 P.M. EST on Friday, February 13, 2026, no exceptions.

If your application is submitted, no further action is required.

This is a reminder that your Mayors' List & Municipal Contact list is due today. If you have not yet submitted these documents, please do so no later than Friday, January 16, 2026.

This notice is being sent on behalf of the New Jersey League of Municipalities.

1. League Professional Development Webinar

   "A Quick Review of Budget and FAST Updates"

    February 20, 2026

    10:30a.m. - 12:00p.m.

    Location: Your Computer

This webinar will review Budget and FAST Updates including:

- Get an update on CY 2026 budget issues and any legislation that may affect them.

- Review recent Division of Local Government Local Finance Notices and review recent policies and regulations.

- Review of the Financial Automation Submission Tracking Solution (FAST).

- Review current issues affecting Finance Officers.

Presenters:

Matthew Gallello, CMFO, RMC, Manager, Digital Transformation Unit, NJ Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services

Jorge Carmona, Authorities and Financial Regulation Bureau Chief, NJ Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services

CEUs:

CMFO/CCFO-1.5 Bud; CTC-1.5 Gen/Sec;CPWM-1.5 Govt; RMC-1.5Fin; QPA-1.5 Off Admin; CPA-1.5 Fin;NJCLE-1.8;PACLE-1.5:RPPO/RPPS-1.5M/S

This notice is being sent on behalf of the New Jersey Civil Service Commission Center for Learning and Improving Performance (CLIP).

This notice is being sent on behalf of the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Fire Safety.

Overview

This advisory bulletin is intended to clarify municipal obligations pursuant to P.L. 2025, c.19 (the statute) and proposed Department of Community Affairs (DCA) regulations. The statute and subsequent proposed rule modifications, establish uniform statewide requirements governing fire inspections conducted pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act. These changes may affect current inspection practices, particularly those related to Certificates of Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Alarms, and Secondary Power Source Identification Label compliance (CSACMASPSIL), or portions thereof covered by the "Municipal Certificates of Occupancy".

Fire Inspector Licensure Requirement

Effective February 3, 2025, unlicensed personnel were no longer authorized to conduct inspections pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act. P.L. 2025, c.19 requires that all inspections authorized under the Uniform Fire Safety Act be conducted exclusively by licensed fire inspectors. The statute establishes uniform licensure standards applicable to all fire inspections, regardless of whether they are conducted by the State, a local or county fire code enforcing agency, or locally pursuant to a property maintenance or other municipal ordinance.

CSACMASPSIL or Certificates of Occupancy for One- and Two-Family Dwellings

When a one- or two-family dwelling undergoes a change of occupancy such as a sale or change of tenant, and a municipality requires a municipal certificate of occupancy or similar approval, the statute provides that no municipal officer or agency responsible for issuance may issue the certificate until it verifies compliance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.1, which governs smoke alarms and secondary power source identification labels.

Municipalities that conduct CSACMASPSIL or municipal certificate of occupancy inspections pursuant to a local ordinance are not exempt from the fire inspector licensing requirements.

Use of Existing Municipal Enforcement Processes

While licensure requirements apply, municipalities may continue to utilize their existing property maintenance or other municipal code enforcement processes to administer inspections and approvals, provided that inspections required under the Uniform Fire Safety Act are performed by properly licensed fire inspectors.

Transitional Licensure Period for Housing Inspectors

The statute recognizes that some inspections have historically been conducted by housing inspectors. Accordingly, existing licensed housing inspectors are granted a two-year period, through February 3, 2027, from the effective date of P.L. 2025, c.19 to obtain fire inspector licensure.  The two acceptable licenses that fall under this two-year exemption are Inspector of Hotels and Multiple Dwellings, and Housing Code Official. During this transitional period, these licensed housing inspectors may continue performing applicable inspections while pursuing licensure as a fire inspector.

Legislative Intent and Technical Considerations

The licensure requirements were enacted in recognition of the technical complexity of fire safety inspections, which extend well beyond basic functional testing of alarm devices. Proper enforcement requires a working knowledge of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and applicable construction codes, including requirements related to alarm placement, power sources, secondary power source identification labeling, interconnection standards, and code-compliant installation.

In addition, buildings must be maintained as originally constructed. As codes evolve and illegal or unsafe modifications occur over time, licensed fire inspectors possess the training and experience necessary to identify noncompliance and ensure corrective action. These competencies are generally outside the scope of unlicensed personnel and are limited among housing inspectors, which is why the statute includes a defined transitional period for licensure.

Recommended Actions

Local governing bodies and enforcing agencies are encouraged to review their current personnel licensing records to ensure compliance with P.L. 2025, c.19. Municipalities should confirm that inspections conducted pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act are performed by licensed fire inspectors and should identify any housing inspectors who will be required to obtain a fire inspector license. The required fire inspector license may be obtained upon successful completion of a minimum 90-hour training course. Such courses are offered statewide through recognized fire academies and county colleges. Governing bodies are encouraged to monitor Department of Community Affairs rulemaking for guidance on final regulatory language.

Signed into law by Governor Murphy on June 30, 2025, L. 2025, c.72 reflects the transition from traditional print newspapers to online platforms by updating legal notice publication requirements. After March 1, 2026, whenever a public entity is required by law or by order or rule of court to publish or advertise a legal notice, the public entity shall make the complete text of the legal notice publicly accessible on its official Internet website free-of-charge. The website publication requirement will supersede the current newspaper publication of legal notices.

This notice is being issued on behalf of the Office of Regulatory Affairs.

Municipal Chief Financial Officers and Construction Officials:

This is a courtesy reminder notice to all municipalities on calendar year budget cycles.

The NJ Uniform Construction Code Regulations - NJAC 5:23-4.17 (b) require that municipalities file a report that accurately portrays the receipts and expenses of the local enforcing agency for code enforcement purposes.  The UCC Annual Report fulfills this requirement and serves as a basis of changes (if any) in the UCC fee ordinance and staffing needs for the next year.

The Division of Local Government Services and New Jersey's Shared Services Czars are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for FY 2026 School Regionalization Efficiency Program (SREP) Grants.

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is dedicated to helping New Jersey public schools achieve educational excellence and district efficiencies. SREP supports public school districts and governing bodies across New Jersey who wish to study the feasibility of school district regionalization and consolidation.

Public school districts and eligible governing bodies are invited to apply for funding to offset costs associated with conducting feasibility studies that support the creation of meaningful and implementable plans to form or expand regional school districts. Factors like enrollment, facility utilization, contiguous districts with small enrollment, existing send/receive relationships, administrative staffing, class size, enhancing diversity, debt and contractual obligations, faculty needs and attrition, and other factors will be evaluated.

Applications for SREP have a rolling application process. However, applications must be submitted no later than April 15, 2026. It is recommended that applications be submitted as soon as possible due to SREP's popularity and funding availability of the FY 2026 SREP appropriation.

The Division of Local Government Services and New Jersey's Shared Services Czars are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for FY 2026 Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) Grants.

LEAP affords an unprecedented opportunity to incentivize shared services implementation across New Jersey's local government entities, advancing the mission of the Shared Services Program.

LEAP facilitates exploring and establishing shared services by providing counties, municipalities, school districts, county colleges, commissions, authorities and fire districts assistance for the study or implementation of promising shared services projects undertaken pursuant to the Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act.

Applications for LEAP County Shared Services Coordinator, Challenge, and Implementation Grants have a rolling application process. However, applications must be submitted no later than April 15, 2026. It is recommended that applications be submitted as soon as possible due to LEAP's popularity and funding availability of the FY 2026 LEAP appropriation.

Assistance Bureau (LAB), and funding sources. Experts provide guidance on projects from beginning to end in areas including:

-       Economic development and planning

-       Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and Joint Insurance Funds (JIF) contract review

-       Procurement

-       Forms of government queries

-       Certified positions support

-       Shared services assessments, templates, and implementation

-       Data analysis

-       Implementing best practices

-       Public safety dispatching

-       Staff training, such as ethics training, good governance, and procurement

-       Feasibility studies, such as police, fire, DPW, water and sewer, and finance, that are tailored to each municipality

Listen to Community at the Core podcast for the why, how, and who to contact for assistance. It's free!

Shared service agreements can provide your residents with the benefit of lower taxes while enhancing operational efficiency, effectiveness, and performance through cost savings and best practices. Take this opportunity to learn more about DCA's LAB, funding sources, and shared services agreements.

Community at the Core is the official podcast of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), where we explore the heart of what makes our neighborhoods thrive - people. Each episode highlights voices from across the state who are making an impact in big and small ways, from every background and walk of life. Whether they're public servants, advocates, volunteers, or everyday residents, our guests share personal stories, professional insights, and powerful reflections on what community means to them. Join us as we celebrate the work being done to build stronger, more connected communities-because at the core of it all, is community.

The State of NJ CPM Program is administered by the NJ Civil Service Commission and delivered by Rutgers University. The NJ CPM program consists of 22 mini courses offered one day a week for 10 months on a variety of public service topics and includes a work-related project that will benefit the participant’s organization.  

 Up to 15 undergraduate credits or 9 graduate credits can be applied toward a degree at Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration. All CPM Graduates receive 30.2 CEUs. 

 CPM participants gain the knowledge needed to tackle complex organizational challenges, manage their day-to-day operations more effectively, and grow as leaders. 

 Tuition is $4100 per student. Payment plans are available. 

 **Fall 2025 in-person cohort is scheduled in Wayne beginning November 12, 2025 (with a few seats still available).**

 Spring 2026 in-person cohorts are scheduled in Freehold beginning on March 19, 2026, and Woodbridge beginning in May 2026.  Classes are held from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.  

 A virtual cohort is starting in April 2026.  Classes are held weekly via Zoom from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, plus additional independent study work. 

This notice is being sent on behalf of the New Jersey League of Municipalities.

Starting February 5, 2026, The League is partnering with a long-time professional manager, Matt Watkins, founder of NJ Community Solutions, LLC, and NJLM Labor Consultant to provide practical municipal management instruction.

The Practical Management Workshop Series is a big step forward in the educational support of municipal officials throughout the State. The workshops will provide small group instruction and hands-on learning to educate those working in key local government positions.

The workshop series is designed for flexibility and affordability of instruction, providing options to select single classes, choose a particular series based on an area of concentration, or the full 4-part program. Those who finish the full 4-part program will be awarded a certificate at completion.

To allow for easier scheduling and student availability we have moved this program to an online platform.

Presenters:

Matt Watkins, founder of NJ Community Solutions, LLC, and NJLM Labor Consultant

Registration Fee:

$75.00 per class. See registration page for more details.

CEUs are available for CMFOs, CCFOs, CTC, RMCs, CPWMs, QPAs, CPAs, NJ Attorneys, PA Attorneys, and HR Professionals (SHRM)

This notice is being issued on behalf of the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.

Dear Purchasing Agent:

We are researchers with the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration conducting a study to determine whether local government agencies (buyers) and small business owners

(suppliers) clearly understand each other's needs, wants, and capabilities.

We appreciate the Division of Local Government Services' support of the study by sending you this notice.

We know you are busy, but we would appreciate it if you could take 5-10 minutes to share your experience with small businesses by completing an anonymous survey. Your experience is key to helping us find practical ways to make local procurement faster, clearer, and more efficient.

This notice is being sent on behalf of Rutgers University School of Public Affairs and Administration.

The State of NJ CPM Program is administered by the NJ Civil Service Commission and delivered by Rutgers University. The NJ CPM program consists of 22 mini courses offered one day a week for 10 months on a variety of public service topics and includes a work-related project that will benefit the participant's organization.

Up to 15 undergraduate credits or 9 graduate credits can be applied toward a degree at Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration. All CPM Graduates receive 30.2 CEUs.

CPM participants gain the knowledge needed to tackle complex organizational challenges, manage their day-to-day operations more effectively, and grow as leaders.

Tuition is $4100 per student. Payment plans are available.

 **Fall 2025 in-person cohort is scheduled in Wayne beginning November 12, 2025 (with a few seats still available).**

Spring 2026 in-person cohorts are scheduled in Freehold beginning on March 19, 2026, and Woodbridge beginning in May 2026.  Classes are held from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

A virtual cohort is starting in April 2026.  Classes are held weekly via Zoom from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, plus additional independent study work.

Please read carefully this important FAST system update.

FAST "folders" for the 2026 Budget, 2025 Annual Financial Statement, and 2025 Annual Debt Statement are now available in the FAST portal for Calendar Year Municipalities and Counties.

Municipalities and Counties are required to use the following documents:

-       2026 Municipal Budget (Version 2026.0, used for both introduction and adoption)

-       2026 County Budget (Version 2026.0, used for both introduction and adoption)

-       2025 Municipal and County Annual Financial Statement (Version 2025.0)

-       2026 Municipal User-Friendly Budget (Version 2026.0)

-       2025 Annual Debt Statement (Version 2025.0 - new requirement for 2026)

-       2026 Supplemental Debt Statement (Version 2026.0 - new requirement for 2026)

Prior year versions of these templates will not be accepted through FAST. The Municipal Budget, County Budget, and Annual Financial Statement workbooks all contain a "data migration" that will import prior year data, reducing data entry. Macros in the excel workbook must be enabled in order for this functionality to execute properly. Instructions for this process are included on the first tab of each workbook. Version numbers of documents are always listed on the Key Inputs tab.