Who is responsible for preparing the municipal budget in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) plays a critical role in the preparation of the municipal budget. The CFO is tasked with overseeing the financial operations of the municipality, which includes developing the budget based on the municipality's financial status, revenue projections, and expenditure needs. This position requires a thorough understanding of financial regulations and the ability to project the financial future of the municipality, ensuring that the budget is both realistic and compliant with state laws.

The CFO collaborates with other municipal officials, such as the mayor and the council, to gather necessary information and insights that inform budgetary decisions. However, it is ultimately the CFO who is responsible for assembling the data, drafting the budget document, and presenting it for approval to the governing body.

The mayor, municipal clerk, and town council also play important roles in the budget process, but they do not bear the primary responsibility for its preparation. The collaborative nature of the budget creation process involves these positions, yet it is the CFO’s expertise and statutory obligation that designates them as the key figure in forming the municipality’s budget.