What role does the Local Finance Board play concerning municipalities?

The Local Finance Board plays a crucial role in ensuring sound financial practices within municipalities by overseeing and approving municipal debt issuance and various financial transactions. This function is vital because it helps to maintain fiscal responsibility and accountability among local governments, ensuring that they do not take on excessive or unsustainable debt levels. The board's oversight includes reviewing applications for debt issuance to guarantee compliance with state law and sound financial management practices. This helps protect both the municipalities and their residents from financial mismanagement and the risks that can arise from inappropriate financial practices. By fulfilling this role, the Local Finance Board contributes to the overall financial stability and integrity of municipal governments in New Jersey.