Author: Sheri Siegelbaum

DLGS Highlights Newly Enacted NJ Procurement Laws

DLGS Highlights Newly Enacted NJ Procurement Laws

The New Jersey Department of Community Affair’s Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) recently published a Local Finance Notice regarding several new laws that impact local government and/or school procurement. Covered topics include bidder ownership disclosure, competitive contracting, contracts for asphalt work, claimant certification for utility bills, federal military equipment

Gov. Murphy Conditionally Vetoes PFRS Legislation

NJ Tax Court Clarifies Eligibility for Disabled Veteran Tax Exemption

In Galloway Township v. Duncan, the New Jersey Tax Court addressed when a veteran who suffers from a service-connected 100 percent permanent disability meets the legislatively imposed requirements for the personal residence tax exemption.  The Facts of the Case Defendant taxpayer, Lucienne Reed Duncan, M.D., sought personal residence tax exemption

NJ Appeals Court Overturns Ordinance Over Council Member’s Conflict of Interest

NJ Appeals Court Overturns Ordinance Over Council Member’s Conflict of Interest

In Mollica v. Township of Bloomfield, the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court invalidated a township ordinance adopted to acquire land to build a public park. Citing the New Jersey Supreme Court’s decision in Grabowsky v. Township of Montclair, the Appellate Division held that a council member’s ownership

Proposed DLGS Rule Defines “Managerial Executive Employees” Under Local Government Ethics Law

Proposed DLGS Rule Defines “Managerial Executive Employees” Under Local Government Ethics Law

The Local Government Ethics Law requires “local government officers” to annually file financial disclosure statements. In addition to covering elected officials, the law also applies to anyone who is a managerial executive employee of a local government agency.  Last month, the Local Finance Board of the Division of Local Government

Local Finance Notice Addresses Construction Code Fees

NJ Assembly Passes Bill in Response to TTFA Project Freeze

Pursuant to Gov. Chris Christie’s Executive Order No. 210 of 2016, all ongoing work funded by the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority (TTFA) was ordered to cease effective July 9, 2016. All over the state, contractors were forced to cease all active work and secure the projects.  The transportation

NJ Appeals Court Affirms Broad Power of State Comptroller

NJ Senate Passes Long Term Tax Exemption Bill

The New Jersey Senate recently passed legislation that would make significant changes to the state’s long term tax exemption law. Notably, the bill would require applicants and municipalities to prepare cost-benefit analyses regarding the impact of a proposed long term property tax exemption. The bill (S-1991) would specifically require a

Gov. Christie Signs Electronic Payments Bill into Law

Gov. Christie Signs Electronic Payments Bill into Law

Gov. Chris Christie recently signed a bill into law that will make it easier and cheaper for New Jersey municipalities to process electronic payments. The bill, Assembly Bill No. 3851, authorizes certain local units to adopt policies for the payment of certain claims through the use of standard electronic funds

Division of Local Government Services Must Approve Bidder Prequalification Requirement

Division of Local Government Services Must Approve Bidder Prequalification Requirement

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) recently published guidance regarding the process of incorporating bidder prequalification requirements into municipal public works and construction bid specifications. The DLGS notice specifically reminds local governments that its approval is required for any prequalification requirement to be enforceable.  Bidding Requirements Under the Local