This bill amends various sections of New Jersey's local government budget processes, primarily focusing on extending deadlines for budget submissions and audits. Key changes include requiring mayors and municipal managers to submit their recommended budgets by February 28, rather than January 15, and extending the deadlines for local governing bodies to introduce and approve annual budgets to March 31 for counties and municipalities. The bill also allows for the adoption of annual budgets to be extended to April 30 and increases the time frame for annual audits from six months to eight months post-fiscal year. Additionally, it raises the permissible amount of a temporary budget for counties and municipalities from 26.25 percent to 35 percent of the previous year's total appropriations.

Furthermore, the bill increases penalties for non-compliance with budgetary regulations, raising the personal penalty for governing body members from $25 to $100 per day. It clarifies procedures for filling vacancies in key budget-related roles and expands the authority of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to initiate reviews of local unit officials. The bill also includes provisions for mailing estimated property tax bills after June 30 and December 31 under certain conditions. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance the efficiency, accountability, and transparency of local government budget processes in New Jersey, with the bill set to take effect on the first day of the 13th month following its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40A:5A-15, 40A:9-28.4, 40A:9-133.5, 40A:9-140.10, 40A:9-145.5, 40A:9-154.6, 40A:11-9, 54:4-66.3, 54:4-66.4