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Across the Ballot

Election Overview

What is the Township Committee?

Understanding what the governing body actually controls makes it easier to evaluate what candidates are proposing and where to direct questions.

Structure

  • The Township Committee is the governing body of Hillsborough Township.
  • It consists of elected members chosen by township voters.
  • Members serve three-year terms, staggered so that not every seat is on the ballot in the same year.
  • The Mayor is selected from among the members of the Township Committee rather than elected separately by voters.

Source: Official government source — Hillsborough Township and New Jersey municipal law

How decisions are made

The Township Committee acts through resolutions and ordinances voted on in public meetings. Ordinances generally require introduction, publication, a public hearing, and a second vote before adoption. Agendas, minutes, and adopted documents are public records.

Several things residents care about are handled by other bodies: the school tax levy by the Board of Education, county roads and county taxes by Somerset County, state highways by NJDOT, and individual site plan applications by the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment.

Responsibilities

Areas where the Township Committee has direct authority or direct budget influence.

  • Municipal budget

    Introduces, holds a public hearing on, and adopts the annual municipal budget.

  • Taxes

    Sets the municipal portion of the property tax levy through the adopted budget.

  • Ordinances

    Adopts, amends, and repeals municipal ordinances, including zoning.

  • Roads

    Funds municipal road maintenance, paving, and capital reconstruction.

  • Parks

    Funds municipal park and recreation facilities and capital improvements.

  • Public safety

    Funds police and supports emergency services through the municipal budget.

  • Planning

    Adopts the zoning ordinance and appoints members to land use boards.

  • Economic development

    Sets commercial zoning policy and can adopt redevelopment plans.

  • Municipal services

    Oversees public works, the clerk's office, and other municipal departments.

Source: Official government source — Hillsborough Township adopted budgets, ordinances, and department information

Verify specifics with the township

Across the Ballot summarizes publicly documented structure and responsibilities. For the current membership, meeting schedule, and adopted documents, consult the official Hillsborough Township website and the Township Clerk.