What type of vote is required for budget adoption according to Local Budget Law?

The correct vote required for budget adoption according to the Local Budget Law is a majority of the governing body. This means that more than half of the officials in the governing body must support the budget for it to be officially adopted.

In New Jersey, when a municipality prepares its annual budget, it is presented to the governing body for consideration. The governing body typically comprises elected officials such as the mayor and council members. A majority ensures that the budget reflects the consensus of the governing body while still allowing for a healthy debate and consideration of different viewpoints, making the legislative process more democratic.

A simple majority is not the same as a supermajority or unanimous consent. A supermajority would require a larger proportion of votes, often set at two-thirds, which is not the case here. Unanimous consent requires all members to agree, which is impractical in many legislative situations. Thus, the requirement for a majority of the governing body strikes a balance between sufficient support while allowing decision-making to move forward efficiently.