Introduction of Ordinance 2026-04
TOWNSHIP OF CHATHAM
NOTICE OF
INTRODUCTION
ORDINANCE 2026-04
I, Gregory J. LaConte, Township Clerk of the Township of Chatham, do hereby certify that the following ordinance was introduced on first reading at a regular meeting held on February 24, 2026 and said ordinance will be submitted for consideration and final passage at a regular meeting to be held on March 24, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., which time any person who may be interested therein will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance.
In addition to in person attendance, the Public can access the meeting and participate in the Public Hearing with the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84306574961
Or One tap mobile: +13126266799,,84306574961# or +19294362866,,84306574961#
Or Telephone, Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 436 2866 or +1 301 715 8592 or
+1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 843 0657 4961
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdfAPwqYss
Press *9 to Raise Hand during the Public Hearing.
Dated: February 25, 2026
Township Clerk
ORDINANCE 2026-04
ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF CHATHAM, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14)
WHEREAS, the Local Government Cap Law, N.J.S. 40A: 4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual budget, a municipality shall limit any increase in said budget up to 2.0% unless authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and,
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.15a provides that a municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5% percentage rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the next two succeeding years; and,
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Chatham in the County of Morris finds it advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2026 budget by up to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the interest of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; and,
WHEREAS, the Township Committee hereby determines that a 1.5% increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $ $212,709.80 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap Law, is advisable and necessary; and,
WHEREAS the Township Committee hereby determines that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Chatham, in the County of Morris, a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the CY 2026 budget year, the final appropriations of the Township of Chatham shall, in accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14, be increased by 3.5 %, amounting to $496,322.87, and that the CY 2026 municipal budget for the Township of Chatham be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years; and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance as introduced be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services within 5 days of introduction; and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance upon adoption, with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed with said Director within 5 days after such adoption.
Introduced: February 24, 2026 TOWNSHIP OF CHATHAM, COUNTY OF
MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY