Bill Text: NJ S660 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Allows fire district elections to be moved to November; eliminates certain fire district budget referenda; and eliminates certain fire district capital purchase referenda.**
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-06-29 - Substituted by A1690 (ACS/2R) [S660 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2016-S660-Introduced.html
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
217th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2016 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Senator SHIRLEY K. TURNER
District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)
SYNOPSIS
Establishes procedures for consolidating fire districts and for moving annual fire district election to November; eliminates vote on fire district budgets, except for proposals to raise revenue above the permissible levy cap.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning fire district elections, amending various parts of the statutory law, and supplementing chapter 14 of Title 40A of the New Jersey Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. R.S.19:1-1 is amended to read as follows:
19:1-1. As used in this Title:
"Election" means the procedure whereby the electors of this State or any political subdivision thereof elect persons to fill public office or pass on public questions.
"Fire district election" means an election to be held in and for a fire district established pursuant to N.J.S.40A:14-70 et seq.
"General election" means the annual election to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November and, where applicable, includes annual school elections and annual fire district elections held on that date.
"Primary election for the general election" means the procedure whereby the members of a political party in this State or any political subdivision thereof nominate candidates to be voted for at general elections, or elect persons to fill party offices.
"Municipal election" means an election to be held in and for a single municipality only, at regular intervals.
"Special election" means an election which is not provided for by law to be held at stated intervals.
"Any election" includes all primary, general, municipal, school and special elections, as defined herein.
"Municipality" includes any city, town, borough, village, or township.
"School election" means any annual or special election to be held in and for a local or regional school district established pursuant to chapter 8 or chapter 13 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
"Public office" includes any office in the government of this State or any of its political subdivisions filled at elections by the electors of the State or political subdivision.
"Public question" includes any question, proposition or referendum required by the legislative or governing body of this State or any of its political subdivisions to be submitted by referendum procedure to the voters of the State or political subdivision for decision at elections.
"Political party" means a party which, at the election held for all of the members of the General Assembly next preceding the holding of any primary election held pursuant to this Title, polled for members of the General Assembly at least 10% of the total vote cast in this State.
"Party office" means the office of delegate or alternate to the national convention of a political party or member of the State, county or municipal committees of a political party.
"Masculine" includes the feminine, and the masculine pronoun wherever used in this Title shall be construed to include the feminine.
"Presidential year" means the year in which electors of President and Vice-President of the United States are voted for at the general election.
"Election district" means the territory within which or for which there is a polling place or room for all voters in the territory to cast their ballots at any election.
"District board" means the district board of registry and election in an election district.
"County board" means the county board of elections in a county.
"Superintendent" means the superintendent of elections in counties wherein the same shall have been appointed.
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of registration in counties.
"File" or "filed" means deposited in the regularly maintained office of the public official wherever said regularly maintained office is designated by statute, ordinance or resolution.
(cf: P.L.2011, c.202, s.24)
2. R.S.19:12-7 is amended to read as follows:
19:12-7. a. The county board in each county shall cause to be published in a newspaper or newspapers which, singly or in combination, are of general circulation throughout the county, a notice containing the information specified in subsection b. hereof, except for such of the contents as may be omitted pursuant to subsection c. or d. hereof. Such notice shall be published once during the 30 days next preceding the day fixed for the closing of the registration books for the primary election, once during the calendar week next preceding the week in which the primary election for the general election is held, once during the 30 days next preceding the day fixed for the closing of the registration books for the general election, and once during the calendar week next preceding the week in which the general election is held.
b. Such notice shall set forth:
(1) For the primary election for the general election:
(a) That a primary election for making nominations for the general election, for the selection of members of the county committees of each political party, and in each presidential year for the selection of delegates and alternates to national conventions of political parties, will be held on the day and between the hours and at the places provided for by or pursuant to this Title.
(b) The place or places at which and hours during which a person may register, the procedure for the transfer of registration, and the date on which the books are closed for registration or transfer of registration.
(c) The several State, county, municipal and party offices or positions to be filled, or for which nominations are to be made, at such primary election.
(d) The existence of registration and voting aids, including: (i) the availability of registration and voting instructions at places of registration as provided under R.S.19:31-6; and (ii), if available, the accessibility of voter information to the deaf by means of a telecommunications device.
(e) The availability of assistance to a person unable to vote due to blindness, disability or inability to read or write.
(f) In the case of the notice published during the calendar week next preceding the week in which the primary election is held, that a voter who, prior to the election, shall have moved within the same county without (i) filing, on or before the 21st day preceding the election, a notice of change of residence with the commissioner of registration of the county or the municipal clerk of the municipality in which the voter resides on the day of the election, (ii) returning the confirmation notice sent to the voter by the commissioner of registration of the county, if such a notice has been sent to the voter, or (iii) otherwise notifying the commissioner of registration of the voter's change of address within the county shall be permitted to correct the voter's registration and to vote in the primary election by provisional ballot at the polling place of the district in which the voter resides on the day of the election. The notice shall further provide that the voter may contact the county commissioner of registration or municipal clerk to determine the proper polling place location for the voter.
(2) For the general election:
(a) That a general election will be held on the day and between the hours and at the places provided for by or pursuant to this Title and, where applicable, shall include annual school elections and annual fire district elections held on that date.
(b) The place or places at which and hours during which a person may register, the procedure for transfer of registration, and the date on which the books are closed for registration or transfer of registration.
(c) The several State, county and municipal offices, and where applicable, school board offices and fire district offices to be filled, notice of any school district propositions to be submitted to the people and, except as provided in R.S.19:14-33 of this Title as to publication of notice of any Statewide proposition directed by the Legislature to be submitted to the people, the State, county [and] , municipal, and fire district public questions to be voted upon at such general election.
(d) The existence of registration and voting aids, including: (i) the availability of registration and voting instructions at places of registration as provided under R.S.19:31-6; and (ii) the accessibility of voter information to the deaf by means of a telecommunications device.
(e) The availability of assistance to a person unable to vote due to blindness, disability or inability to read or write.
(f) In the case of the notice published during the calendar week next preceding the week in which the general election is held, that a voter who, prior to the election, shall have moved within the same county without (i) filing, on or before the 21st day preceding the election, a notice of change of residence with the commissioner of registration of the county or the municipal clerk of the municipality in which the voter resides on the day of the election, (ii) returning the confirmation notice sent to the voter by the commissioner of registration of the county, if such a notice has been sent to the voter, or (iii) otherwise notifying the commissioner of registration of the voter's change of address within the county shall be permitted to correct the voter's registration and to vote in the general election by provisional ballot at the polling place of the district in which the voter resides on the day of the election. The notice shall further provide that the voter may contact the county commissioner of registration or municipal clerk to determine the proper polling place location for the voter.
(3) For a school election:
(a) The day, time and place thereof,
(b) The offices, if any, to be filled at the election,
(c) The substance of any public question to be submitted to the voters thereat,
(d) That a voter who, prior to the election, shall have moved within the same county without (i) filing, on or before the 21st day preceding the election, a notice of change of residence with the commissioner of registration of the county or the municipal clerk of the municipality in which the voter resides on the day of the election, (ii) returning the confirmation notice sent to the voter by the commissioner of registration of the county, if such a notice has been sent to the voter, or (iii) otherwise notifying the commissioner of registration of the voter's change of address within the county shall be permitted to correct the voter's registration and to vote in the school election by provisional ballot at the polling place of the district in which the voter resides on the day of the election,
(e) That if the voter has any questions as to where to vote on the day of the election, the voter may contact the county commissioner of registration or municipal clerk to determine the proper polling place location for the voter; and
(f) Such other information as may be required by law.
c. If such publication is made in more than one newspaper, it shall not be necessary to duplicate in the notice published in each such newspaper all the information required under this section, so long as:
(1) The municipal officers or party positions to be filled, or nominations made, or municipal public questions to be voted upon by the voters of any municipality, shall be set forth in at least one newspaper having general circulation in such municipality;
(2) All offices to be filled, or nominations made therefor, or public questions to be voted upon, by the voters of the entire State or of the entire county shall be set forth in a newspaper or newspapers which, singly or in combination, have general circulation throughout the county;
(3) Information relating to nominations and elections in each Legislative District comprised in whole or part in the county, shall be published in at least a newspaper or newspapers which singly or in combination, have general circulation in every municipality of the county which is comprised in such legislative district.
d. Such part or parts of the original notices as published which pertain to day of registration or primary election which has occurred shall be eliminated from such notice in succeeding insertions.
e. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.232.)
f. The cost of publishing the notices required by this section shall be paid by the respective counties, unless otherwise provided for by law.
g. Notices required to be published or posted pursuant to this section shall set forth a general description of the contents of the voter information notice provided for in section 1 of P.L.2005, c.149 (C.19:12-7.1), how the notice may be viewed or obtained prior to the day of an election, and that the notice will be posted in each polling place on the day of an election.
(cf: P.L.2011, c.202, s.25)
3. R.S.19:14-4 is amended to read as follows:
19:14-4. In the center of the ballot immediately below the perforated line shall be printed in bold-faced type the words "Official general election ballot." Below these words and extending across the ballot shall appear the words: "Name of (municipality), ...................... ward, .................... school district (if applicable), ........................fire district (if applicable),...................... election district, ...................... date of election, .................. John Doe, county clerk." The blank spaces shall be filled in with the name of the proper municipality, the ward and district numbers and the date of the election. For school and fire district elections, the name of the school district and the name of the fire district, and of the municipality or municipalities comprising the district, shall also be indicated thereon. The name of the county clerk shall be a facsimile of his signature. Below the last stated words extending across the ballot and at the extreme left shall be printed the words "Instructions to the voter," and immediately to the right there shall be a bracket embracing the following instructions numbered consecutively:
(1) The only kind of a mark to be made on this ballot in voting shall be a cross x, plus + or check [?] a.
(2) To mark a cross x , plus +, check [?] a or when writing a name on this ballot use only ink or pencil.
(3) To vote for any candidates whose names are printed in any column, mark a cross x , plus + or check [?] a in the square at the left of the names of such candidates not in excess of the number to be elected to the office.
(4) To vote for any person whose name is not printed on this ballot, write or paste the name of such person under the proper title of office in the column designated personal choice and mark a cross x , plus + or check [?] a in the square to the left of the name so written or pasted.
(5) To vote upon any public question printed on this ballot if in favor thereof, mark a cross x , plus + or check [?] a in the square at the left of the word "Yes," and if opposed thereto, mark a cross x, plus + or check [?] a in the square at the left of the word "No."
(6) Do not mark this ballot in any other manner than above provided for and make no erasures. Should this ballot be wrongly marked, defaced, torn or any erasure made thereon or otherwise rendered unfit for use return it and obtain another. In presidential years, the following instructions shall be printed upon the general election ballot:
(7) To vote for all the electors of any party, mark a cross x , plus + or check [?] a in ink or pencil in the square at the left of the surnames of the candidates for president and vice-president for whom you desire to vote.
Below the above-stated instructions and information and, except when compliance with R.S.19:14-13 as to Statewide propositions otherwise requires, three inches below the perforated line and parallel to it, there shall be printed a six-point diagram rule extending across the ballot to within not less than a half inch to the right and left edges of the paper.
(cf: P.L.2011, c.202, s.26)
4. R.S.19:14-8 is amended to read as follows:
19:14-8. In the columns of each of the political parties which made nominations at the next preceding primary election to the general election and in the personal choice column, within the space between the two-point hair line rules, there shall be printed the title of each office to be filled at such election, except as hereinafter provided.
Such titles of office shall be arranged in the following order: electors of President and Vice-President of the United States; member of the United States Senate; Governor; member of the House of Representatives; member of the State Senate; members of the General Assembly; county executive, in counties that have adopted the county executive plan of the "Optional County Charter Law," P.L.1972, c.154 (C.40:41A-1 et seq.); sheriff; county clerk; surrogate; register of deeds and mortgages; county supervisor; members of the board of chosen freeholders; coroners; mayor and members of municipal governing bodies, and any other titles of office. Candidates for members of a school board or board of fire commissioners, when appropriate, shall be listed in a section of the ballot that is separate from the section featuring other candidates whenever possible in a layout at the discretion of the county clerk. Above each of such titles of office, except the one at the top, shall be printed a two-point diagram rule in place of the two-point hair line rule. Below the titles of such offices shall be printed the names of the candidates for the offices.
The arrangement of the names of candidates for any office for which more than one are to be elected shall be determined in the manner hereinafter provided, as in the case of candidates nominated by petition.
When no nomination for an office has been made the words "No Nomination Made" in type large enough to fill the entire space or spaces below the title of office shall be printed upon the ballot.
Immediately to the left of the name of each candidate, at the extreme left of each column, including the personal choice column, shall be printed a square, one-quarter of an inch in size, formed by two-point diagram rules. In the personal choice column no names of candidates shall be printed.
To the right of the title of each office in the party columns and the personal choice column shall be printed the words "Vote for," inserting in words the number of persons to be elected to such office.
(cf: P.L.2011, c.202, s.27)
5. R.S.19:14-10 is amended to read as follows:
19:14-10. In the column or columns designated as nominations by petition, within the space between the two-point hair line rules, there shall be printed the title of each office for which nominations by petition have been made.
Such titles of office shall be arranged in the following order: electors of President and Vice-President of the United States; member of the United States Senate; Governor and Lieutenant Governor; member of the House of Representatives; member of the State Senate; members of the General Assembly; county executive, in counties that have adopted the county executive plan of the "Optional County Charter Law," P.L.1972, c.154 (C.40:41A-1 et seq.); sheriff; county clerk; surrogate; register of deeds and mortgages; county supervisor; members of the board of chosen freeholders; coroners; mayor and members of municipal governing bodies; members of the school board or the board of fire commissioners, when appropriate, and any other titles of office.
Above each of the titles of office, except the one on the top, shall be printed a two-point diagram rule in place of the two-point hair line rule. Below the titles of each of the offices shall be printed the names of each of the candidates for each of such offices followed by the designation or designations mentioned in the petitions filed.
Immediately to the left of the name of each candidate, at the extreme left of the column, shall be printed a square, one-quarter of an inch in size formed by two-point diagram rules.
The names of candidates for any office for which more than one are to be elected shall be arranged in groups as presented in the several certificates of nominations or petitions, which groups shall be separated from other groups and candidates by two two-point hair line rules.
To the right of the title of each office shall be printed the words "Vote for " inserting in words the number of candidates to be elected to such office.
(cf: P.L.2011, c.202, s.28)
6. R.S.19:14-13 is amended to read as follows:
19:14-10. All public questions to be voted upon by the voters of the entire State shall be placed first and shall be printed in the order as certified by the Secretary of State. All public questions to be voted for by the voters of a municipality shall be placed second and shall be printed in the order as determined by the drawing of lots by the county clerk. All public questions to be voted for by the voters of a county shall be placed [last] third and shall be printed in the order as determined by the drawing of lots by the county clerk. The county clerk shall draw lots in substantially the same manner as the drawing is made for the arrangement of candidates' names upon the ballot. All public questions to be voted for by the voters of a fire district, when appropriate, shall be placed last and shall be printed in the order as determined by the drawing of lots by the board of fire commissioners. As soon as that order is determined, the board shall so notify the clerk of the county in which the fire district is located so it can be included in the ballot for the general election when appropriate.
(cf: P.L.1979, c.191, s.1)
7. R.S.19:14-16 is amended to read as follows:
19:14-16. The words to be printed on the perforated coupon shall be printed in twelve-point bold-faced capital letters and the figures in eighteen and twenty-two-point bold-faced type. At the head of the ballot the words "Official General Election Ballot" shall be printed in at least thirty-point bold-faced capital letters. The name of municipality, ward, school district, fire district, election district, and date, as appropriate, shall be printed in twelve-point bold-faced capital letters. The words "Instructions to the voter" shall be printed in twelve-point bold-faced capitals and small letters, while the instructions embraced within the brackets shall be printed in eight-point bold-faced capital and small letters. The column designations shall be printed in eighteen-point bold-faced capital letters and the accompanying instructions shall be printed in eight-point capitals and small letters. The titles of office and accompanying instructions shall be printed in ten-point bold-faced capital and small letters. When there is no nomination made at the primary for an office, the title shall be printed in the space where such title should appear, and the words "No Nomination Made" in type large enough to fill the entire space or spaces shall be printed therein. The names of all candidates shall be printed in ten-point capital letters. The designations following the candidates' names in the nomination by petition column or columns shall be printed in ten-point capitals and small letters, except that where they overrun the space within the column the designations may be abbreviated, and all spaces between the two-point hair line rules not occupied by the titles of office and names of candidates shall be printed in with scroll or filling to guide the voter against wrongly marking the ballot. On the foot of the ballot the words "Public Questions to be Voted Upon" shall be printed in eighteen-point bold-faced capital letters. The accompanying instructions shall be printed in eight-point capital and small letters. The public questions to be voted upon shall be printed in ten-point capital and small letters, and the words "Yes" and "No" shall be printed in twelve-point bold-faced capital letters.
(cf: P.L.2011, c.202, s.29)
8. R.S.19:14-22 is amended to read as follows:
19:14-22. The official general election sample ballots shall be as nearly as possible facsimiles of the official general election ballot to be voted at such election and shall have printed thereon, after the words which indicate the number of the election district for which such sample ballots are printed, the name of the school district, when appropriate, the name and municipality or municipalities of the fire district, when appropriate, the street address or location of the polling place in the election district, the hours between which the polls shall be open, and shall be printed on paper different in color from the official general election ballot, and have the following words printed in large type at the top: "This ballot cannot be voted. It is a sample copy of the official general election ballot used on election day."
(cf: P.L.2011, c.202, s.30)
9. N.J.S.40A:14-70 is amended to read as follows:
40A:14-70. a. In any municipality not having a paid or part-paid fire department and force, the governing body, upon application of at least 5% of the registered voters or 20 legal voters, whichever is the greater, shall consider the designation of a fire district. Upon receipt of the application, the governing body shall fix a time and place for a hearing thereon. The municipal clerk shall advertise the notice of the hearing in a newspaper circulating in the county wherein the municipality is located at least once and not less than 10 days prior to the hearing. After the hearing the governing body shall determine the question of designation of a fire district. If the governing body decides that the designation of a fire district is appropriate, it, by ordinance, shall designate a territorial location or locations for use as a fire district or fire districts and, by resolution, provide for the election of a board of fire commissioners for the district or each district, to consist of five persons, residents therein, and specify the date, time and place for the election of the first board.
The district or each district shall be assigned a number and the commissioners thereof and their successors shall be a body corporate, to be known as "the commissioners of fire district No. . . . . . in . . . . . . (name of municipality), county of . . . . . . . . . . (name of county)." The said body corporate shall have the power to acquire, hold, lease, sell or otherwise convey in its corporate name such real and personal property as the purposes of the corporation shall require. All sales and leases of real and personal property shall be in accordance with the provisions of section 13 or 14, as appropriate, of the "Local Lands and Buildings Law," P.L.1971, c.199 (C.40A:12-13 or 40A:12-14). Said body corporate may adopt and use a corporate seal, sue or be sued and shall have such powers, duties and functions as are usual and necessary for said purposes.
On the date and at the time and place specified for the election of the first board, other than an election held at the time of the general election pursuant to section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the clerk of the municipality shall conduct the election and shall preside at the meeting until the board shall have been elected.
At the first meeting of a newly elected board of fire commissioners of a district the board shall choose a chairman and fix the place for the annual election. The members of the board shall divide themselves by lot into three classes: the first to consist of two members whose terms shall expire at 12 o'clock noon on the first Tuesday in March of the year following the year in which the first board is elected; the second, two members whose terms shall expire at 12 o'clock noon on the first Tuesday in March of the second year following that year; and the third, one member whose term shall expire at 12 o'clock noon on the first Tuesday in March of the third year following that year. The terms of fire commissioners in each class, other than members of the first board, shall expire at 12 o'clock noon on the first Tuesday in March of the third year following the year in which they were elected.
Any vacancy in the membership shall be filled by the remaining members until the next succeeding annual February election, at which time a resident of the district shall be elected for the unexpired term.
b. When the election of the first board is to be held at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), in accordance with the procedures for the general election in Title 19 of the Revised Statutes, the newly elected board of fire commissioners of a district shall select a chairman at its first meeting. The members of the board shall divide themselves by lot into three classes: the first to consist of two members whose terms shall expire at 12 o'clock noon on the first Tuesday in December of the year following the year in which the first board is elected; the second, two members whose terms shall expire at 12 o'clock noon on the first Tuesday in December of the second year following that year; and the third, one member whose term shall expire at 12 o'clock noon on the first Tuesday in December of the third year following that year. The terms of fire commissioners in each class, other than members of the first board, shall expire at 12 o'clock noon on the first Tuesday in December of the third year following the year in which they were elected.
The term of office of any fire district commissioner that expires at 12 o'clock noon on the first Tuesday in March of the year in which the election has been moved to the general election pursuant to the provisions of section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) shall be extended until noon on the first Tuesday in December of that same year. Any candidate to fill the office of commissioner that year shall be voted for at the general election held that year and shall take office at noon on the first Tuesday in December next occurring.
Any vacancy in the membership shall be filled by the remaining members until the next succeeding annual November election, at which time a resident of the district shall be elected for the unexpired term.
(cf: P.L.1991, c.223, s.1)
10. N.J.S.40A:14-71 is amended to read as follows:
40A:14-71. [Candidates] a. For an election held at a time other than at the time of the general election, candidates for membership on the board shall be nominated by verified petitions and the procedures set forth in this subsection shall apply. Any such petition shall be in writing, addressed to the municipal clerk or the clerk of the board, as the case may be, stating that the signers thereof are qualified voters and residents in the district and requesting that the name of the candidate be placed on the official ballot. The petition shall state the residence of the candidate and certify his qualification for membership. The candidate's consent to his nomination shall be annexed to the petition and shall constitute his agreement to serve in the event of his election. The petition shall contain the name of only one candidate, but several petitions may nominate the same person. Each petition shall be signed by not less than 10 qualified voters and shall be filed at least 29 days before the date of the election.
Any form of a petition of nomination which is provided to candidates by the Secretary of State, the county clerk, or the municipal clerk shall contain the following notice: "Notice: All candidates are required by law to comply with the provisions of 'The New Jersey Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting Act,' P.L.1973, c.83 (C.19:44A-1 et seq.). For further information please call (insert telephone number of the Election Law Enforcement Commission)."
If a petition is found to be defective, either in form or substance, the municipal clerk or the clerk of the board, as the case may be, shall forthwith notify the candidate to cause it to be corrected before the petition is given consideration.
A candidate shall be permitted to sign or circulate, or both sign and circulate, the petition required to nominate that candidate for membership on the board.
b. For an election held at the time of the general election, candidates for membership on the board shall be nominated by petition for direct nomination pursuant to the procedures set forth in R.S.19:13-1 et seq. If such nomination is vacated for any of the reasons set forth in R.S.19:13-18, the vacancy may be filled pursuant to the provisions of R.S.19:13-19.
(cf: P.L.2010, c.68, s.7)
11. N.J.S.40A:14-72 is amended to read as follows:
40A:14-72. a. An election shall be held annually either on the third Saturday in February, or at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to the provisions of section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), in each established fire district for the election of members of the board according to the expiration of terms. The initial election for a newly created fire district may take place on another date as a governing body may specify under N.J.S.40A:14-70, but the annual election thereafter shall be held either on the third Saturday in February, or on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to the provisions of section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill). The board shall publish notice of the closing date for the filing, with the clerk of the board, of petitions of nomination for membership on the board. Such publication shall be published at least once in a newspaper circulating in the district, at least six weeks prior to the date fixed for the election.
[The] b. Except for elections held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to the provisions of section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the place of the election shall be determined by the board and a notice thereof [, and of the closing date for the filing with the clerk of the board of petitions of nomination for membership on the board,] shall be published at least once in a newspaper circulating in the district, at least six weeks prior to the date fixed for the election. Fire districts located in the same municipality may combine the publication of their notices of election. For the purpose of this section, "notices of election" shall include the notices required to be published under section [7 of P.L.1953, c.211 (C.19:57-7)] 6 of P.L.2009, c.79 (C.19:63-6).
c. The legal voters [thereat] at an annual election held on the third Saturday in February shall determine the amount of money to be raised for the ensuing year and determine such other matters as may be required.
d. The legal voters at an annual election held at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to the provisions of section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) shall determine the amount of money to be raised for the ensuing year only if such amount exceeds the permissible property tax levy increase as determined pursuant to sections 9 through 12 of P.L.2007, c.62 (C.40A:4-45.44 et seq.), and determine such other matters as may be required.
(cf: P.L.1994, c.181, s.1)
12. N.J.S.40A:14-73 is amended to read as follows:
40A:14-73. The ballots shall be written or printed on opaque paper, uniform in size and quality.
[Each] For a fire district election held at a time other than at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), each ballot shall have at the top, a coupon, at least one inch wide extending across the ballot above a perforated line. The coupons shall be numbered consecutively. The coupon shall contain the following statements: "To be torn off by the Judge of Election" and "Fold to this line." Below the perforated line shall be printed or written, "Fire district election ballot," then the official designation of the fire district and polling place and date of the election. It shall bear the signature or facsimile signature of the municipal clerk, or the clerk of the board of fire commissioners, as the case may be. The heading shall be set apart from the body of the ballot by a marked-off space. In said space, the voters shall be instructed how to indicate their choice of candidates and the number to be voted upon as follows: "To vote for any person whose name appears on this ballot mark a cross (X), plus (+) or check (a) in ink or pencil in the place or square at the left of the name of such person." Underneath these instructions shall be directions as to the number of candidates to be voted for and the name of each qualified candidate, without grouping, to be placed according to the alphabetical order of their surnames.
The ballot shall be substantially as follows:
No............
To be torn off by the Judge of Election.
Fold to this line.
.................................................................
FIRE DISTRICT ELECTION BALLOT
Fire District No. 1
Township of Webster, Warren County
Date.............
Polling District No. 1 John Henry Doe,
Unexcelled Fire House. Clerk.
To vote for any person whose name appears on this ballot mark a cross (X), plus (+) or check (a) mark with ink or pencil in the place or square at the left of the name of such person.
For membership to Board of Fire Commissioners--
Full Term. Vote for Two.
[ ] Rutherford B. Fallon.
[ ] William F. Seibel.
[ ] James A. Stephens.
[ ] Thomas Templeton.
[ ]
[ ]
For membership to Board of Fire Commissioners--
Unexpired One-Year Term. Vote for One.
[ ] Francis R. Loori.
[ ] Arthur H. Patterson.
[ ]
using as much of the form as may be applicable to the current fire district election and extending the same to provide for cases not herein specified.
For a fire district election held at the time of the general election, the ballot shall be prepared in accordance with the provisions of Title 19 of the Revised Statutes.
(cf: P.L.1994, c.77, s.20)
13. N.J.S.40A:14-74 is amended to read as follows:
40A:14-74. [The] For a fire district election held at a time other than at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the municipal clerk or the clerk of the board of fire commissioners, as the case may be, shall cause a further notice of the holding of such election to be published at least once not later than 1 week prior thereto in a newspaper circulating in said fire district.
At least 7 days prior to [the] such election the municipal clerk or the clerk of the board, as the case may be, shall obtain the registry list for the municipality or municipalities and election districts comprised within such fire district for the preceding general election. No person shall be permitted to vote at the election unless his name appears on the registry list or he shall have become of legal age and is otherwise qualified and shall file an application to vote with the clerk at least 2 days prior thereto.
For a fire district election held at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the voter registration procedures provided pursuant to R.S.19:31-1 et seq. shall apply.
(cf: P.L.1973, c.25, s.2)
14. N.J.S.40A:14-75 is amended to read as follows:
40A:14-75. [The] For a fire district election held at a time other than at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the superintendent of elections of any county having a superintendent of elections or the county board of elections of any county not having a superintendent of elections, may upon application of the board of commissioners of any fire district, loan or rent to said board, one or more voting machines owned by the county, for a period of time which does not conflict with any State, county, municipal or school district election, for the purpose of conducting a fire district election as required by law. The loan or rental of a voting machine or machines for this purpose shall be upon such terms and conditions as may be determined by the board of chosen freeholders of the county.
In any case in which voting machines are made available for such purpose, the use thereof for any fire district election shall be held as provided herein.
(cf: N.J.S.40A:14-75)
15. N.J.S.40A:14-76 is amended to read as follows:
40A:14-76. [Upon] For a fire district election held at a time other than at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), upon petition of 25 or more voters, filed with the clerk of the board at least 20 days prior to the date of any election, after the first election, the board of fire commissioners, by resolution, may divide the fire district into 2 or more polling places.
The polls for any election held at a time other than at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November shall be opened between the hours of 2:00 and 9:00 P.M., but the board may designate a later closing hour on the same day. The board shall furnish the necessary books for the entries of the names and addresses of the voters.
(cf: N.J.S.40A:14-76)
16. N.J.S.40A:14-77 is amended to read as follows:
40A:14-77. Before the opening of the polls for a fire district election held at a time other than at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, a public proclamation shall be made by the chairman of the board or the clerk or his or their representative as to the purpose of the voting. Two tellers for each polling place shall be appointed by the chairman or clerk and thereupon the polls shall be opened and the balloting shall continue without recess until the closing of the polls. Immediately after the close of the polls the clerk and tellers shall forthwith canvass the vote and certify the results. The clerk shall publicly announce the results.
(cf: N.J.S.40A:14-77)
17. N.J.S.40A:14-78 is amended to read as follows:
40A:14-78. Any appropriation or other matter to be voted upon at [such] an election held at a time other than at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), shall be in the form of a question, placed upon the ballot immediately following the names of the candidates for members of the board of fire commissioners, in substantially the following form:
YES. (Question to be voted on)
NO.
The voter shall indicate his approval or opposition by making a cross (X), plus (+) or check (a) mark in ink or pencil in the appropriate square.
Any matter to be voted upon at an election held at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) shall be in the form of a question placed upon the ballot in accordance with the requirements of Title 19 of the Revised Statutes.
(cf: P.L.1994, c.77, s.21)
18. Section 6 of P.L.1979, c.453 (C.40A:14-78.2) is amended to read as follows:
6. [No] For an election held at a time other than at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), no fire district budget shall be adopted until a public hearing has been held thereon and taxpayers of the district and all persons having an interest therein shall have been given an opportunity to present objections. Such hearing shall be held not less than 28 days after approval of the budget.
For an election held at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), no fire district budget that exceeds the permissible property tax levy cap as established in sections 9 through 12 of P.L.2007, c.62 (C.40A:4-45.44 et seq.) shall be adopted until a public hearing has been held thereon and taxpayers of the district and all persons having an interest therein shall have been given an opportunity to present objections. Such hearing shall be held not less than 28 days after approval of the budget.
The public hearing shall be held at the time and place specified in the notice, but may be adjourned from time to time until the hearing is closed.
[The] When a hearing is required, the budget shall be read at the public hearing in full, or it may be read by its title, if:
a. At least 1 week prior to the date of the hearing, a complete copy of the approved budget shall have been posted in such public place as notices are usually posted in the district, and is made available to each person requesting a copy during said week and during the public hearing; and,
b. The fire commissioners shall, by resolution passed by not less than a majority of the full membership, determine that the budget shall be read by its title and declare that the conditions set forth in subsection a. of this section have been met.
After closing the hearing, the fire commissioners may, by a vote of not less than a majority of the full membership, adopt the budget by title without amendments, or may approve amendments as provided in section 7[.] of [this act] P.L.1979, c.453 (C. 40A:14-78.3).
(cf: P.L.1979, c.453, s.6)
19. Section 7 of P.L.1979, c.453 (C.40A:14-78.3) is amended to read as follows:
7. The fire commissioners may amend the budget during or after the public hearing. All amendments shall be read in full.
No amendment shall be effective until the taxpayers of the district and all persons having an interest therein shall have been granted a public hearing thereon, if such amendment shall:
a. Add a new item of operating appropriations in an amount in excess of 1% of the total amount of operating appropriations as stated in the approved budget; or,
b. Increase or decrease any item of operating appropriations by more than 10%[; or,] .
c. [Increase the amount to be raised by taxes by more than 5%.] (Deleted by amendment, P.L. , c. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill)
Notice of hearing on any amendment shall be advertised at least 3 days before the date set therefor. Such amendment shall be read in full at such hearing and before adoption.
(cf: P.L.1979, c.453, s.7)
20. Section 8 of P.L.1979, c.453 (C.40A:14-78.4) is amended to read as follows:
40A:14-78.4. The fire district budget shall be adopted, by a vote of a majority of the full membership of the fire commissioners, not later than 25 days prior to the annual election in February or in November if the election is held at the time of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to section 24 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill). The adopted budget shall be advertised after adoption. The advertisement shall contain a copy of the budget and shall be published at least once in a newspaper circulating in the fire district at least 7 days prior to the annual election in February or November, as the case may be.
(cf: P.L.1979, c.453, s.8)
21. Section 9 of P.L.1979, c.453 (C.40A:14-78.5) is amended to read as follows:
9. a. If at the annual election held pursuant to N.J.S.40A:14-72 the question of either finally adopting the budget pursuant to subsection c. of N.J.S.40A:14-72 or of exceeding the property tax levy cap pursuant to sections 9 through 12 of P.L.2007, c.62 (C.40A:4-45.44 et seq.) and subsection d. of N.J.S.40A:14-72 is voted affirmatively upon by a majority of the legal voters voting in the election, the budget shall be considered finally adopted, and the board of fire commissioners shall certify the amount to be raised by taxation to support the district budget to the assessor of the municipality, pursuant to N.J.S.40A:14-79.
b. If at the annual election the question of either finally adopting the budget pursuant to subsection c. of N.J.S.40A:14-72 or of exceeding the property tax levy cap pursuant to sections 9 through 12 of P.L.2007, c.62 (C.40A:4-45.44 et seq.) and subsection d. of N.J.S.40A:14-72 is voted negatively upon by a majority of the legal voters voting in the election, the governing body of the municipality in which the fire district is located shall, by resolution of a majority of its full membership, within 30 days after the annual election and after a public hearing for which the legal voters of the fire district shall be given 5 days' advertised notice, and at which any interested person shall be heard, fix an annual budget for the fire district. The amount of each appropriation section of the budget so fixed shall not exceed the amount for each as previously voted upon at the annual election, except the appropriation for debt service which shall be included in the amount that is required to be paid. The governing body shall certify the amount to be raised by taxation to support the district budget as set forth in the final budget, to the assessor of the municipality, pursuant to N.J.S.40A:14-79.
c. Following the final approval of a budget [by the voters], the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs may approve a budget amendment to provide for the anticipation of revenue from a public or private funding source which was not known at the time the budget was approved, and the appropriation thereof, provided the amount of the appropriation does not exceed the amount of the revenue received.
(cf: P.L.2011, c.153, s.1)
22. N.J.S.40A:14-85 is amended to read as follows:
40A:14-85. The board of commissioners of a fire district may purchase fire engines, apparatus or other appliances for the extinguishment of fires and acquire lands or buildings or erect buildings for the housing of such equipment, at a cost not exceeding $60,000.00 or 2% of the assessed valuation of the taxable property in the district, whichever amount is larger [, the] . The money [to] may be raised by a bond issue. Any such bond issue shall be authorized by a resolution of the commissioners specifying the amount and the purpose thereof. The resolution shall be inoperative unless and until it shall have been submitted to and approved by the legal voters within said fire district at the annual election held for the election of commissioners and appropriation of money for fire extinguishing purposes, or at a special election for such purpose.
The resolution shall be written or printed and the election shall be upon notice stating the time and place. If said election is to be the annual one, the notices shall be posted by the clerk of the board of fire commissioners in 10 public places, at least 10 days prior to the date of the election. The board of commissioners and the clerk, in their or his discretion, may advertise the election in a newspaper, published in the fire district, if any, otherwise in a newspaper published in the county of said district and circulating in such district. When a special election is specified notices shall be posted in 10 public places, at least 21 days prior to the date of election, and the clerk of said board shall advertise said notice in such a newspaper at least twice prior to the election date.
(cf: N.J.S.40A:14-85)
23. N.J.S.40A:14-90 is amended to read as follows:
40A:14-90. [The] Except as provided in a consolidation plan prepared pursuant to section 25 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the governing body of a municipality having a fire district therein, by ordinance, may enlarge such fire district by extending the boundaries thereof to include additional territory in such municipality but not included in another fire district.
Upon the adoption of any such ordinance and publication thereof as required by law the additional territory shall become part of said fire district.
Nothing contained herein shall affect the terms or tenure of members of the board of fire commissioners or officers or personnel thereof, nor the bonds and obligations, if any, of such fire district.
(cf: P.L.1979, c. 381, s. 2)
24. (New section) a. The question of moving the date of a fire district's annual election to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, to be held simultaneously with the general election, shall be submitted to the legal voters of a local fire district whenever a petition is filed with the clerk of the board of fire commissioners, signed by not less than 15% of the number of legally qualified voters who voted in the fire district at the next preceding annual election for members of the board of fire commissioners. The question shall be submitted to the voters of the district at the next annual fire district election, provided that at least 60 days have lapsed since the date of the filing of the petition. In the event that the question is not approved by the voters, no petition may be filed to submit the question to the voters again within one year after an election shall have been held pursuant to any petition filed pursuant to this subsection.
The date of the annual fire district election may be moved to the day of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November without voter approval upon the adoption of a resolution by the board of fire commissioners of a fire district.
The term of office of any fire district commissioner that expires at 12 o'clock noon on the first Tuesday in March of the year in which the election has been moved to the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November pursuant to this section shall be extended until noon on the first Tuesday in December of that same year. Any candidate to fill the office of commissioner that year shall be voted for at the general election held that year and shall take office at noon on the first Tuesday in December next occurring.
Any vacancy in the membership shall be filled by the remaining members until the next succeeding annual November election, at which time a resident of the district shall be elected for the unexpired term.
b. In the event that the date of a fire district's annual election is moved to the day of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, the fire district election shall be held for the purposes of electing members of the board and for voting on any appropriation or other matter according to the provisions of P.L.1971, c.197 (C.40A:14-72 et seq.). The procedures for holding a fire district election in November shall be in accordance with the procedures provided for the general election under Title 19 of the Revised Statutes.
After moving the date of a fire district's annual election to the day of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, the date of the annual fire election shall be held at that time and shall not be changed.
c. The date of a fire district's annual election may not be moved to the day of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November by voter approval or by the adoption of a resolution by the board of fire commissioners of a fire district unless a municipality has a single fire district. A municipality having more than one fire district shall consolidate all fire districts into a single fire district in accordance with section 25 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) prior to any vote to move the fire district's annual election to the day of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
25. (New section) A municipal governing body may consider the consolidation of all fire districts within that municipality into a single fire district, upon receipt of identical resolutions adopted by the commissioners of all of the fire districts within the municipality consenting to the development of a consolidation plan. If the municipal governing body approves the development of a consolidation plan, it shall work with the fire district commissioners to prepare the plan. The plan may be prepared in consultation with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, or his designee.
Upon completion of the consolidation plan, which shall include a first-year budget for the consolidated fire district, the governing body of the municipality shall fix a time and place for a hearing to discuss the proposed consolidation. Notice of the hearing shall be provided in accordance with the "Senator Byron M. Baer Open Public Meetings Act," P.L.1975, c.231 (C.10:4-6 et seq.), and copies of the proposed consolidation plan shall be made available for public inspection by the municipal clerk, in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) and P.L.2001, c.404 (C.47:1A-5 et al.).
Following the hearing, the governing body of the municipality shall vote on a resolution to consolidate the fire districts.
If a resolution is adopted by the municipal governing body to consolidate the fire districts, then notice of the impending consolidation, and a copy of the proposed consolidation plan, shall be sent to the Local Finance Board, which if it has objections, shall within 30 days of receipt schedule a hearing to discuss revisions to the plan. Otherwise, the consolidation plan shall be deemed approved by the board.
Upon approval or revision of the plan by the Local Finance Board, the consolidation plan shall be considered finally adopted by the municipal governing body, and the assets and debts of the fire districts to be consolidated shall be reapportioned pursuant to the consolidation plan.
The consolidation shall become operative after the next fire district election following the final adoption of the consolidation plan by at least 29 days, during which new commissioners for the consolidated district shall be elected.
26. (New section) Within six months next following the effective date of P.L. , c. (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the Director of the Division of Elections in the Department of State, in consultation with the Department of Community Affairs, shall study the feasibility of consolidating fire districts and of integrating election districts with fire districts for potential cost-saving measures and shall, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, submit a report to the Governor and Legislature, in accordance with section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1) with findings and any recommendations to provide for greater savings.
27. The Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Division of Elections in the Department of State, as appropriate, shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to effectuate the purposes of this act, P.L. , c. (pending before the Legislature as this bill).
28. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill establishes procedures for moving the date of a fire district's annual election to the day of the general election in November and eliminates a vote on fire district budgets for fire districts that have moved elections to the day of the general election, except for proposals to raise revenue above the levy cap in accordance with the levy cap law provisions of N.J.S.A.40A:4-45.44 et seq. Consistent with current law, any money to be raised by a bond issue would still require voter approval.
Under this bill, there would be two options to move a fire district election to November. However, either option would require the consolidation of multiple fire districts within a municipality into a single fire district.
Under the first procedure, the question would be presented to the voters for their approval whenever a petition is filed with the clerk of the board of fire commissioners, signed by not less than 15% of the number of legally qualified voters who voted in the fire district at the next preceding annual election for members of the board of fire commissioners. The question is then submitted to the voters of the district at the next annual election, provided that at least 60 days have lapsed since the date of the filing of the petition.
Under the second procedure, the date of the annual fire district election may be moved to November upon the adoption of a resolution by the board of fire commissioners of a fire district.
If the fire district's annual election is moved to November, then the fire district's board members will be elected in November and take office at the beginning of December. Further, if the date of the annual fire district election is moved to November, then a district may not move the fire district election back to the third Saturday in February. The procedures for holding a fire district election in November shall be in accordance with the procedures provided for the general election in Title 19 of the Revised Statutes.
This bill further permits two or more municipalities to consolidate fire districts if the commissioners of all of the fire districts within each municipality adopt parallel resolutions consenting to the development of a consolidation plan. In addition, the bill permits a single municipality to consider the consolidation of all fire districts within that municipality. Any municipal governing body or governing bodies that approve the development of a consolidation plan, are to work with the fire district commissioners to prepare the plan. The plan may be prepared in consultation with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, or his designee.
Upon completion of the consolidation plan, which is to include a first-year budget for the consolidated fire district, the governing body of each municipality considering consolidation is to fix a time and place for a hearing to discuss the proposed consolidation. Notice of the hearing is to be provided to the public, and copies of the proposed consolidation plan are to be made available for public inspection by the municipal clerk.
Following the hearing, the governing body or governing bodies of each municipality are required to vote on a resolution to consolidate the fire districts. Upon passage of the resolution, the assets and debts of the fire districts to be consolidated are to be reapportioned pursuant to the consolidation plan. The consolidation is to become operative after the next fire district election following the final adoption of the consolidation plan by at least 29 days, during which new commissioners for the consolidated district are to be elected.
The bill also requires that, within six months of enactment, the Director of the New Jersey Division of Elections in the Department of State, in consultation with the Department of Community Affairs, study the feasibility of consolidating election districts with fire districts for potential municipal cost-saving measures and shall, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, submit a report to the Legislature with findings and any recommendations to provide for greater municipal savings through such consolidation.
