Mayor

The Township of Rockaway operates under the Mayor-Council Plan (NJSA 40:69A-31) of government. This form, also known as the “strong mayor” form, provides for the direct election of the mayor, who serves a 4-year term. This form is designed for a mayor to be independent of council, in charge of the administration of the municipality.

Responsibilities

The mayor is the chief executive of the municipality and has the enforcement responsibility for all ordinances, charter provisions and prepares the budget of the municipality. The mayor, performs all duties with the assistance of the business administrator.

Duties

The executive power of the municipality shall be exercised by the Mayor. The Mayor shall:
  • Enforce the Charter and ordinances of the Township and all general laws applicable thereto.
  • He shall annually report to the Council and the public on the work of the previous year and on the condition and requirements of the municipal government, and shall make such recommendations for action by the Council as he may deem in the public interest.
  •  He shall supervise all of the departments of the municipal government and shall require each department to make an annual and such other reports of its work as he may deem desirable.
  • After receiving an ordinance adopted by the Council and submitted to him by the Clerk of the Council, he shall, within ten (10) days after receiving any ordinance, either approve the ordinance by affixing his signature thereto or return it to the Council by delivering it to the Township Clerk, together with a statement setting forth his objections thereto or to any item or part thereof.
  • The Mayor may attend meetings of the Council and may take part in discussions but shall have no vote except in the case of a tie on a question of filling a vacancy in the Council, in which he may cast the deciding vote.
  • In such calendar year, the Mayor shall be required to submit to the Township Council a preliminary expense budget for the coming year by January 15th, which preliminary budget is to highlight the areas in which expenditures will be increased or decreased for the prior year, with the understanding that the proposed level of expenditures will, of necessity, be adjusted upon the Township's calculation thereafter, of available revenues from the State and other sources.
  • Where no other provision is made for appointments, the Mayor shall have the power to appoint with the advice and consent of the Council.
    (Code  2-3.3, A; Ord. No. 92-16 § 1; Ord. No. 95-13 § 1; Ord. No. 97-25 § 1)

Delegation of Powers

The Mayor may delegate to the head of any department any functions, powers or duties conferred upon the Mayor by ordinance which are not required by Charter or general law to be performed or discharged personally by the Mayor. (Code 2-3.3)