Governor Mikie Sherrill • Lt. Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell |
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| News for Local Government Officials |
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Municipal ClerkNew LFNs on Storm Response and Impact of P.L. 2025 c.185 on Local Unit - 01/30/2026 Local Finance Notices 2026-04 and 2026-05 are now available on the DLGS website. LFN 2026-04 provides updated budget and procurement guidance relevant to the winter storm of last weekend. 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. These Notices can be accessed at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/lfns/2026/2026-04.pdf and https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/lfns/2026/2026-05.pdf. Please review each notice thoroughly. CY 2026 / FY 2027 Transitional Aid to Localities - 01/28/2026Local Finance Notice 2026-03, accessible on the DLGS website at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/lfns/2026/2026-03.pdf, concerns the CY 2026 / SFY 2027 Transitional Aid application process for both CALENDAR YEAR and FISCAL YEAR municipalities. Transitional Aid is the only discretionary aid available for municipal budgets and will only be available to municipalities that have severe structural difficulties and anticipate problems making payments toward nondiscretionary or critical obligations, including, but not limited to, debt service, contractual obligations, and payroll. A Transitional Aid award is conditioned on the municipality meeting the following requirements: - Submitting to broad State oversight of hiring, procurement, and other matters; - Performing reasonable revaluations or reassessments of property as required by law; and - Submitting to such additional fiscal control measures as may be directed by the DLGS. Applicants who are awarded aid will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the DLGS acknowledging State oversight and committing to compliance therewith. Municipalities intending to apply for Transitional Aid should carefully review LFN 2026-03 and the CY 2026 / SFY 2027 Transitional Aid Application, available on the DLGS website at https://nj.gov/dca/dlgs/resources/transitional_aid/CY2026.FY2027%20TA%20Application%20FINAL.docx. Calendar year applicants must submit a "Notice of Intent to Apply" by February 13, 2026, and a final application by February 27, 2026. Fiscal year applicants must submit a "Notice of Intent to Apply" by August 21, 2026, and a final application by September 25, 2026. Municipal Clerks, please forward this notice to Elected Officials. LFN 2026-01 Changes to Legal Notice Publication Requirements - 01/12/2026Signed 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. Local Finance Notice 2026-01, available at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/lfns/2026/2026-01.pdf, explains the implications of the new law. Please review this Notice closely. New LFN 2025-08 - Contracting Threshold Adjustments - 07/08/2025Local Finance Notice 2025-08, available at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/lfns/2025/2025-08.pdf, announces contracting thresholds recently updated by State Treasury (public bidding) and by the Office of the State Comptroller (procurement review). The current bid thresholds for Local Public Contracts Law (LPCL) and Public School Contracts Law (PSCL) contracting units are as follows: LPCL without QPA: $17,500 PSCL without QPA: $39,000 LPCL and PSCL with QPA: $53,000 Please review this Notice for a thorough review of procurement-related thresholds applicable to your contracting unit. 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. LFN 2025-04 Annual Financial Disclosure Statement Filing (LGE Represen - 03/25/2025Local Finance Notice 2025-04 has now been issued. The LFN contains important information concerning the annual Financial Disclosure Statement (FDS) filing process for Local Government Entity Representatives (LGE Representatives) for 2025. You may view the notice by clicking on this https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/lfns/2025/2025-04.pdf. Rosters may now be updated. The deadline to complete roster updates is March 31, 2025, as LGOs will be able to start filing shortly thereafter. During this time period for roster updates, Local Government Officers (LGOs) will not be able to access the system to file a FDS for 2025. A separate Local Finance Notice (LFN 2025-07) will be released in the upcoming weeks for distribution to LGOs. The statutory deadline for LGO filing is April 30, 2025. Please wait until LFN 2025-07 has been issued before informing LGOs that they can begin filing. The Local Finance Board has developed numerous resources, including webinars, to help the LGE Representatives with managing the FDS rosters. The webinars, available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7WdF7A70VAh7emujl7XZOg, show how to manage the FDS roster, as well as how to determine positions that are deemed LGOs, and thus who is required to file. The recording was designed to help LGE Representatives, especially new representatives, understand the FDS system. If you have questions that are not addressed in LFN 2025-04, please see the Help resources at www.fds.nj.gov, e-mail LFB_FDS@dca.nj.gov, or call the Local Finance Board staff at 609-815-3904. LFN 2025-03 CY 2025 / FY 2026 Transitional Aid to Localities - 02/07/2025The Division has posted Local Finance Notice 2025-03 Municipal Clerks, please forward this notice to Elected Officials: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/lfns/2025/2025-03.pdf concerns the CY 2025 / SFY 2026 Transitional Aid Application Process for CALENDAR YEAR and FISCAL YEAR municipalities. Transitional Aid is only available to communities experiencing extreme fiscal distress that would otherwise result in the municipality's inability to maintain essential services or pay debt service. If Transitional Aid is awarded, Transitional Aid program participants must comply with significant conditions including, but not limited to: the elimination of health care for all officers and employees other than those with full-time status; a ban on certain travel and other discretionary costs; requirements to obtain State approvals for hires as well as for certain contracts and initiatives; and the assignment of a Municipal Technical Advisor to assist the municipality in restoring fiscal health and maintaining program compliance. Municipalities intending to apply for Transitional Aid should carefully review LFN 2025-03 and the CY 2025 / SFY 2026 Transitional Aid Application (available on the DLGS website) as soon as possible. Deadlines are rapidly approaching. Please note that this application is applicable for CALENDAR YEAR municipalities or FISCAL YEAR municipalities. Reminder- Affordable Housing Project/Unit and Trust Fund Monitoring - - 02/13/2025Just a reminder, affordable housing project/unit and trust fund monitoring is due by February 15, 2024 using the Affordable Housing Monitoring System (AHMS) available at https://ahms.dca.nj.gov/. For any questions email ahms@dca.nj.gov. Municipal Clerks, please forward this notice to the Municipal Housing Liaison. 2024 Director's Table - AMENDED - 01/31/2025Dear Municipal Clerk:
The Division of Taxation is required by law to distribute copies of the 2024 Table of Equalized Valuations to the Commissioner of Education, Municipal Clerks of each municipality and the County Tax Administrators of each County Board of Taxation, as per P.L. 1954, Chapter 86, N.J.S.A. 54:1-35.1 and N.J.S.A. 54:51 A-4(c). To view a copy of the 2024 Table of Equalized Valuations as Amended by the Tax Court of New Jersey, use the link below. https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/lpt/statdata.shtml For questions, please e-mail Richard.Serrano@treas.nj.gov Update Required - Mayors' List & GovConnect Authorized Roles - 12/11/2024Dear Municipal Clerk: Please be informed that the municipal contact list is no longer available for use. Our communication process is now being streamlined through GovConnect News to enhance data privacy. As municipal roles change from year to year, we are requesting your assistance in updating the attached Mayors' List. Carefully review the attached Mayors' List information and be sure the spelling of the mayor's name is correct, the date reflects the end of the term of serving as Mayor, and the e-mail address is correct. Also, confirm that the municipality's address and phone number are correct. If the information needs a modification, please respond to this email, egg@dca.nj.gov with the updated information. The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) recently expanded its capabilities through GovConnect News so that the DLGS may continue its communication outreach with local government officials. GovConnect News provides up to date, important information such as newly issued Local Finance Notices, E-Government to Government (EGG) Notices, updates on recently signed legislation, as well as other important DLGS news, reminders, and dates and ensures that all the authorized roles are registered for GovConnect to comply with recently adopted amendments by the Local Finance Board to N.J.A.C. 5:30-16.2. On the attached Excel file please provide the first name, last name, and email address for the following roles: - Business Administrator and/or Manager - Certified Public Works Manager (CPWM) - Municipal Auditor - Purchasing agent (QPA or non-QPA) The following roles were already obligated to register for GovConnect. Please provide the first name, last name, and email address for them on the attached Excel file. - Clerk - Finance Officer - Tax Collector - Board of Commissioners for each local authority (including regional authorities) - Fire Districts Once the Excel file has been updated, please email it to egg@dca.nj.gov. This needs to be completed no later than Monday, January 13, 2025. If you are a new municipal clerk, please update your e-mail address as the local government entity representative for the Financial Disclosure Statement (FDS) system by contacting the LFB by e-mail at LFB_FDS@dca.nj.gov. If you have not registered for EGG Notices, please email egg@dca.nj.gov with your contact information. 2025 FAST System Update - 12/06/2024Please read carefully the below FAST system update. FAST "folders" for the 2025 Budget, 2024 Annual Financial Statement, and 2024 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: - 2025 Municipal Budget (Version 2025.0, used for both introduction and adoption) - 2025 County Budget (Version 2025.0, used for both introduction and adoption) - 2024 Municipal and County Annual Financial Statement (Version 2024.0) - 2025 Municipal User-Friendly Budget (Version 2025.0) 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. The templates are available on the Division's website, on the FAST page: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/Fast.shtml Similar to prior years, DocuSign will be utilized by municipalities and counties to certify introduced and adopted budgets. Municipal Clerks are reminded that they do not need to login to FAST in order to complete their certification of the budget. Once the CFO completes their certification, the Clerk and Auditor of Record will receive an emailed link which takes them to their certification page. Also on the Division's FAST website page is an updated listing of Flexible Chart of Account codes and user guides for each FAST system module. Municipalities and counties are reminded that data entry for Annual Debt Statements is completed in FAST itself. The Annual Debt Statement module has also been updated to roll the prior year data to the current year, reducing data entry. A PDF report of the Annual Debt Statement is generated upon filing, to be used as the official copy. While currently available for data entry, Annual Debt Statements cannot be submitted until January 1, 2025. The deadline for calendar year entities to submit a Chapter 159 to the Division for 2024 is December 20, 2024. Chapter 159s, along with Chapter 85, Petty Cash, and Dedication by Rider functions, must be submitted through FAST. Paper or emailed copies of documents related to these functions will not be accepted. For technical assistance regarding FAST or any of the financial document workbooks, contact Matt Gallello at Matthew.Gallello@dca.nj.gov. FY2025 Local Recreation Improvement Grant - 11/01/2024TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) today announced that applications are now being accepted for the Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) Program funding that is being offered to New Jersey counties, municipalities and school districts. The Murphy Administration has allocated $20 million in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget to this competitive grant program that supports improvement and repair of public recreation facilities including local parks, municipal recreation centers, and local stadiums. Local Recreation Improvement Grant funds will be awarded to successful grant applicants to help cover costs associated with updating community centers, playgrounds, pools, fields, walking or bicycle trails, rail trails, multi-sport courts, and recreational facilities; one-time personnel costs directly related to improvements; project development professional services costs; equipment costs including playground and recreation facilities equipment; and environmental remediation costs required to prepare recreation sites for use. The Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) Program was developed to: - Fund improvements to recreational facilities; - Provide quality outdoor recreational space to underserved communities; and - Assist local units in achieving unmet recreational obligations. New Jersey counties, municipalities, and school districts are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted through the DCA SAGE Portal at https://dcasage.intelligrants.com/portal.asp and are due no later than 5 p.m. on January 31, 2025. Program guidelines and detailed information about the FY 2025 LRIG Program are available at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/lriggrants.shtml on the DCA website. The Division of Local Government Services serves as an advocate for local government interests and provides technical and financial assistance in budgeting, financial reporting, joint services, purchasing, and management issues. They are responsible for the financial integrity of all local government units and review and approve all municipal, county, and fire district budgets. They also review many local government financial actions and govern and guide the conduct of local government officials. For more information about DCA and The Division of Local Government Services, visit https://nj.gov/dca/. Fourth Round (2025-2035) Affordable Housing Numbers - 10/18/2024The Department has released its fourth-round (2025-2035) affordable housing calculations pursuant to P.L. 2024, c.2 and they are now available for review at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlps/4th_Round_Numbers.shtml. A detailed methodology document describing the calculations and how they implement the requirements of the Law is also available at this site. Questions regarding these calculations should be directed to LPSmail@dca.nj.gov. For Municipal Clerks, please forward this message to the Mayor and Council; Housing Liaison; Planning, Zoning and Engineering Departments and Municipal Attorney. Notice sent to: Mayors List, Municipal Clerk, Municipal Finance Officer, Municipal Manager/Business Administrator Fair Housing Act (P.L. 2024, c.2) - Municipal Housing Liaison - 10/17/2024This notice is being sent on behalf of the Division of Local Planning Services The recent amendments to the Fair Housing Act (P.L. 2024, c.2) require that every town with an obligation to report on affordable housing activity have a Municipal Housing Liaison (MHL). The MHL must be an employee of the municipality, the role cannot be done by an outside entity or consultant, however the affordable housing trust fund may be used to pay for the proportion of the salary required to cover this role for the appointed employee. The appointment will also require that the individual submit credentials to the DCA to be approved for this position, including attending education courses on affordable housing, and we are working on updates to the current classes to reflect the changes to the law. The responsibilities of the MHL include: - Serving as the municipality's primary point of contact for affordable housing - Overseeing the monitoring and reporting on the status of proposed and completed affordable housing units - Ensuring an administrative agent is assigned to each affordable project and overseeing compliance of administrative agents working in the municipality - Coordinating meeting with developers, providers, municipal officials and administrative agents as necessary We are reaching out to ensure that your town appoints, or has appointed, an MHL and notifies DCA. As we approach the February 15th deadline for reporting on all projects, units and trust fund information, we will need to communicate with the person responsible for overseeing the entry of that information into the Affordable Housing Montoring System (AHMS). Failure to enter and reconcile the information into AHMS could subject the municipality to forfeiture of trust funds. The first step is to identify the person and approve them by resolution (model attached), your help in this is appreciated. Please email ahms@dca.nj.gov with the name and contact information of the person who will be the MHL for your town as soon as possible. For any questions email ahms@dca.nj.gov. Notice sent to: Municipal Clerks; Municipal Manager/Business Administrator Meter Collar Adapter Letter - 10/17/2024 This Notice is being sent on behalf of Edward M. Smith, Director Division of Codes and Standards. Guidance for local enforcement agencies regarding the acceptance of products that fall within the category of "Meter Accessories". For additional information, please refer to https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/alerts/index.shtml. For questions regarding this program please the Code Assistance Unit at (609) 984-7609 or email codeassist@dca.nj.gov. Municipal Clerks, please forward this notice to Construction and Electrical Subcode Officials. Notice sent to: Municipal Clerk; Municipal Manager/Business Administrator P.L. 2024, c.2 Affordable Housing Reporting Requirements - 09/05/2024As previously noted the CTM (COAH Tracking & Monitoring) application was retired on September 2, 2024. That system will be replaced by the new Affordable Housing Monitoring System (AHMS) application on Friday, September 6, 2024. At that time, reporting required by P.L. 2024, c.2 for completed affordable housing units and municipal affordable housing trust funds may resume. All authorized users established by each municipality under the retired CTM application will be carried forward and automatically provided with their same user permissions in the new system. Beginning September 6th, anyone seeking authorization for the first time must receive municipal approval before being granted access to the system. If a new user seeks authorization, municipal clerks will first be notified and asked to confirm that the requested access is authorized. Upon authorization LPS staff at DCA will be notified and move the authorized user into the system. If you have any questions, please contact LPSmail@dca.nj.gov For Municipal Clerks, please forward this message to the Mayor and Council; Municipal Housing Liaison; Planning, Zoning and Engineering Departments and Municipal Attorney. Notice sent to: Municipal Clerks; Municipal CFOs; Municipal Manager/Business Administrator |
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Updated: 01/30/2026