The Borough Brief: 04/01/2026
Dear Mendham Neighbors,
If you were away for spring break, welcome back! We know this time of year can get busy, so if you missed anything, we hope this edition of The Borough Brief helps you get caught up.
We’ve been really encouraged by the traction the Brief has gained over the past few months. When we were out campaigning, one of the most consistent things we heard was that residents wanted clearer, more accessible communication about what’s happening at Council meetings. We started The Borough Brief to deliver on that and to provide a straightforward, digestible way to stay informed about Council actions and, just as importantly, what they mean for you.
If you’ve found it helpful, we’d greatly appreciate you sharing it with friends and neighbors. They can subscribe to receive it directly in their inbox or follow along on social media to stay up to date.
Recent Council meetings have provided an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with the public around the State’s affordable housing mandates. We recognize this is a complex topic with many nuances and moving parts. We hope these discussions and the information being shared is helping residents better understand the process, and we truly appreciate the thoughtful public comment and engagement we’ve seen.
Finally, we want to thank everyone who joined us for Coffee with the Council! It was a great opportunity to connect and hear what’s on your mind. A special thank you to Dunkin for providing the space to gather. Keep an eye out for details on our next gathering coming up in Q2.
As always, this issue of The Borough Brief breaks down what Council acted on, why it matters, and what happens next, along with a deeper look at how Mendham’s form of government is structured to make these decisions.
With appreciation,
Councilmember Alexandra Henry Traut
Councilmember Matthew Bruin
PLEASE NOTE: This newsletter is intended to share information and context about local government and community issues. It is not an official Borough communication.
The Breakdown
The Breakdown is a recurring series where we explain important resolutions and ordinances that come before the Borough Council. Each issue will break down what was proposed, what was decided, why it matters, and what happens next in clear and straightforward terms. Full agendas and minutes are available on the Borough website.
Historic Preservation Grant Applications
What it was: Council approved three related resolutions (Resolutions #072-2026, #073-2026, and #074-2026) authorizing the Borough to apply for funding through the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund for improvements to three historic properties:
Phoenix House (2 West Main Street): Exterior restoration project
Bowers Building (6 West Main Street): Development of a historic preservation plan
Carey (Scott) Farm Barn (88 Mountainside Road): Rehabilitation of the barn structure
In each case, the Borough is applying for grant funding and committing to provide a required matching contribution, in part through additional grant opportunities.
Why it matters: These grants support the preservation and restoration of some of Mendham’s most historic assets, helping maintain the character and history of the community.
What happens next: The grant applications will be submitted to Morris County for consideration. If awarded, the Borough will move forward with planning and construction in accordance with grant requirements.
Resolution #071-2026 Humane Law Enforcement Officer Appointment
What it was: Council approved a resolution appointing Patrolman Daniel Campione as the Borough’s Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO), following the retirement of the previous officer.
Why it matters: Under New Jersey law, municipalities are responsible for investigating animal cruelty and welfare concerns, and must designate an HLEO to carry out those duties. This ensures the Borough continues to have a designated officer responsible for animal welfare enforcement and response.
What happens next: Patrolman Campione assumes the role immediately and will handle animal welfare and cruelty-related matters on behalf of the Borough.
Resolution #076-2026 Authorization to File Tax Appeals
What it was: Council approved a resolution authorizing the Borough Attorney to file tax appeals on behalf of the Borough, as directed by the Tax Assessor and/or Borough Administrator.
Why it matters: This allows the Borough to respond quickly to assessment issues and meet strict filing deadlines in the tax appeal process. It also ensures the Borough can proactively address properties that may be incorrectly assessed. This helps protect the integrity of the tax base by ensuring fair and accurate property assessments, which supports equitable taxation across the community.
What happens next: The Borough Attorney will file tax appeals as needed throughout 2026, in coordination with the Tax Assessor.
Government, Explained
Government Explained is a recurring series where we take time to explain how local government works in simple terms. Each issue will focus on a different topic we believe will be helpful for residents, breaking down the process, roles, and decisions so it is easier to understand what is happening and why it matters. A lot of the questions we hear from residents come down to process. Why something happened when it did, why certain discussions aren’t public yet, or who is responsible for what. Understanding how local government works can help distinguish between a true lack of transparency and legal or procedural requirements that guide how and when decisions are made.
This Month’s Topic: Statutory Positions
New Jersey law requires every municipality to appoint certain key officials to keep the town running. These are mandated by statute, with specific qualifications, terms, and protections designed to keep local government running smoothly and accountably.
In this issue, we break down seven of these required positions: Municipal Clerk, Chief Financial Officer, Tax Collector, Tax Assessor, Municipal Attorney, Municipal Engineer, and Registrar of Vital Statistics. We’ll talk about what each one does, and why the State requires towns to have them.
Municipal Clerk (N.J.S.A. 40A:9-133)
Appointed for a three-year term, the Municipal Clerk is often called the backbone of local government. Clerks must obtain State certification and may attain tenure to ensure continuity regardless of changes in elected leadership.
Serves as secretary to the Mayor and Council
Custodian of all official municipal records
Chief registrar of voters and local election official
Maintains meeting minutes and processes ordinances and resolutions
Manages OPRA (Open Public Records Act) requests
Administers licenses and permits
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (N.J.S.A. 40A:9-140.10)
Every municipality is required to have a CFO. Since 1991, appointees must hold a Municipal Finance Officer certificate issued by the State, which requires completing training courses and passing a State-administered exam.
Manages all financial operations of the Borough
Oversees accounting, payroll, and debt management
Prepares the annual municipal budget
Serves as primary liaison with the State Division of Local Government Services
Supports the annual State audit process
Tax Collector (N.J.S.A. 40A:9-141 & 40A:9-142)
Appointed for a four-year term, the Tax Collector must be State-certified and carries tenure protections. This role is critical because property taxes are the single largest revenue source for most municipalities.
Bills and collects property taxes
Manages tax sale certificates for delinquent properties
Processes tax payments and maintains accurate records
Ensures compliance with State tax collection requirements
Tax Assessor (N.J.S.A. 40A:9-146)
Appointed by the governing body, the Tax Assessor must hold a State-issued Tax Assessor certificate and complete continuing education. Their salary is protected from reduction during the term of office to help ensure independence.
Determines the assessed value of every property in the Borough
Ensures property assessments are accurate and equitable
Maintains property records and processes exemptions
Supports a fair tax system; inaccurate assessments mean some residents subsidize others
Municipal Attorney (N.J.S.A. 40A:9-139)
Unlike most other statutory positions, the Municipal Attorney serves a one-year term. This shorter appointment allows Council to ensure legal representation stays aligned with the Borough’s current needs and priorities.
Provides legal counsel to the Mayor, Council, and appointed officials
Reviews ordinances and resolutions for legal compliance
Represents the Borough in litigation
Advises on land use, zoning, and regulatory matters
Ensures municipal actions comply with State and Federal law
Municipal Engineer (N.J.S.A. 40A:9-140)
Appointed for a three-year term, the Municipal Engineer must hold a Professional Engineer’s license. State law prohibits compensation on a percentage-of-contract basis to prevent conflicts of interest.
Oversees infrastructure and public works projects
Reviews development and land use applications
Inspects roadways, utilities, and stormwater systems
Advises Council on capital improvement planning
Registrar of Vital Statistics (N.J.S.A. 26:8-1 et seq.)
Established under Title 26 (Health and Vital Statistics) rather than Title 40A, every municipality must have a Registrar to ensure residents have access to essential legal documents.
Records and maintains birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses
Files vital records with the State
Issues certified copies of vital documents to residents
Local government is more than just the Mayor and Council. These professionally qualified, State-regulated officials keep the Borough functioning, accountable, and financially sound — and the statutory protections around their roles ensure expertise is preserved regardless of changes in elected leadership.
Thanks a Latte!
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Coffee with the Council.
We had a great turnout and even better conversations. It's always a pleasure to connect with neighbors in a casual setting and hear what's on your mind. These conversations help us do our jobs better, and we truly appreciate you taking the time.
If you missed this one, don't worry! Stay tuned for us to announce the next Coffee with the Council. We'll share the date, time, and location right here in the Borough Brief and on our social media pages. We'd love to see you there.
How to Stay Engaged
📅 Next Council Meeting: April 15th, 2026 @ The Garabrant Center | 4 Wilson Street, Mendham
📧 Reach Out: atraut@mendhamnj.org | mbruin@mendhamnj.org
🗣️ Get Involved: Attend a meeting or reach out if you have questions, concerns, or ideas you’d like to see covered in future newsletters.
📱 Follow Us on Facebook & Instagram: Stay up to date with news, reminders, and community updates.
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This newsletter is intended to share information and context about local government and community issues. It is not an official Borough communication.
