In conclusion, mayor-council-administrator form is best for township

GUEST COLUMN

By Pat Tieman
   At the Charter Study Commission’s last public hearing we answered questions concerning our recommendation to change the form of government in Hopewell Township to the mayor-council-administrator form. For those of you who missed the meeting, we would like to recap the most common questions and answers:
   What problems did you find with the current township form of government? No one person is in charge. Since the township committee is a plural executive no one person has the authority to function effectively as the chief executive officer and no one person is clearly accountable to the voters. The 11,000 plus voters in Hopewell Township are not able to directly elect their mayor. Each year, the township committee selects a mayor from among its members to serve for a one-year term creating a loss of focus and generating additional costs associated with the changes. In addition, the township form does not require an administrator and the administrator’s duties can and have been expanded or reduced by different committees resulting in an unstable reporting structure for township professionals.
   How does the appointment process work in the mayor-council-administrator form of government? The mayor appoints with the advice and consent of council: the township administrator, clerk, attorney, assessor, tax collector, treasurer and such other officers as may be provided by ordinance. Each department is headed by a director who is appointed by the mayor with advice and consent of council. All officers and employees whose appointment or election is not otherwise provided for by general law shall be appointed by the mayor. However, the police and employees who have tenure or are covered by collective bargaining agreements will continue their employment under the present terms and agreements. Appointments to policy and decision-making boards and various advisory committees are made in accordance with general law and township ordinances and resolutions. Appointments to planning and zoning boards will continue to be governed by the Municipal Land Use Law.
   What are the costs of changing from the township to the mayor-council-administrator form of government? The commission carefully examined the costs for change and determined that they would be minimal. Based on quotes from municipal attorneys, the one-time cost of a new administrative code will be approximately $10,000. The ongoing cost of two additional elected officials is approximately $12,000 annually. For an "apples to apples" comparison, West Milford Township adopted the mayor-council-administrator form of government in 2002 and found their expenses to be similar to our projections with no additional hidden costs.
   Will the council be able to prepare the new administrative code at the same time they are preparing a budget? Hopewell Township is currently operating without an administrative code and needs to adopt one whether or not the form of government is changed. Most municipalities begin with an existing administrative code from another municipality and adapt it to their needs. This is a one-time process that typically includes a municipal attorney and a volunteer committee that shoulder some of the burden for the council and make it possible to accomplish both tasks.
   Is the mayor-council-administrator form of government new? The mayor-council-administrator form of government was created in 1981 by the state legislature for townships the size of Hopewell. It is based on the most widely-used and popular borough-council form with the addition of a professional administrator. Berkeley Heights also has a question on the ballot in the upcoming election asking residents to adopt the mayor-council-administrator form of government.
   Did the commission consider a "special charter"? Yes, the commission carefully considered but rejected a special charter because the mayor-council-administrator form of government is an appropriate fit for Hopewell Township.
   
Pat Tieman is vice chairwoman of the Hopewell Township Charter Study Commission.