The Borough Brief: 07/15/2026
PLEASE NOTE: This newsletter is intended to share information and context about local government and community issues. It is not an official Borough communication.
Hello Mendham Neighbors,
Before we dive into this month's Borough Brief, we'd like to recognize the severe storms that moved through Mendham on July 3rd. The damage left many roads blocked by fallen trees and debris, creating challenging conditions across the Borough. We want to extend our sincere thanks to our Department of Public Works, Police Department, and all of the municipal staff and first responders who worked throughout the holiday weekend to restore access, respond to emergencies, and help keep our community safe.
At this month's Council meeting, we adopted a resolution opposing New Jersey Senate Bill 1836, legislation that would allow certain affordable housing developments to bypass many aspects of the local planning and zoning process. While the Borough remains committed to meeting its affordable housing obligations under state law, Council believes local communities should retain the ability to thoughtfully review development proposals and ensure they are compatible with existing infrastructure, public safety, and community character.
Council also introduced an ordinance amending the Borough's Police Department code as part of the transition to appointing a new Chief of Police. The ordinance updates the structure of the Police Department to reflect the Borough's transition away from the temporary Public Safety Director model and back to the traditional leadership structure centered on the Chief of Police. The ordinance has been introduced and will return for a public hearing and final vote at a future Council meeting.
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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.
Ordinance #10-2026 (For introduction) – Amendments to the Police Department Ordinance
What happened: Council introduced an ordinance updating the Borough's Police Department ordinance to reflect the transition from a Public Safety Director model back to a traditional Chief of Police structure. The ordinance revises the department's organizational framework, clarifies reporting relationships, and removes provisions related to the Public Safety Director position in preparation for appointing a new Chief of Police.
Why it matters: This ordinance aligns the Borough Code with the Police Department's future leadership structure. Updating the ordinance ensures that the Chief of Police will serve as the department's executive leader, with responsibilities and reporting authority consistent with New Jersey law. It also provides a clear governance framework as the Borough completes its leadership transition.
What’s next: The ordinance must receive a public hearing and final adoption before taking effect. Once adopted, the Borough can move forward with appointing a Chief of Police under the updated organizational structure.
Ordinances #11-2026 & #12-2026 (For introduction) – Reaffirming Mendham's Cannabis Prohibition
What happened: Council introduced two ordinances that reaffirm the Borough's existing prohibition on cannabis businesses and continue the Borough's cannabis regulations under Chapter 70 of the Borough Code. The ordinances do not create any new restrictions but formally continue the Borough's longstanding policy prohibiting all classes of cannabis businesses from operating within Mendham.
Why it matters: New Jersey law requires municipalities to periodically review and update local ordinances related to cannabis. These ordinances ensure the Borough's existing ban remains in effect and provides continued legal clarity regarding cannabis businesses within the community.
What’s next: The ordinances will be considered for public hearing and final adoption at a future Council meeting. If adopted, Mendham's prohibition on cannabis businesses will remain unchanged.
Resolution #128-2026 – Acceptance of the Dod Cary Grandfather Clock Donation
What happened: Council formally accepted the donation of the historic Dod Cary Grandfather Clock from the McLean family. Crafted around 1777 by Revolutionary War captain, gunsmith, and clockmaker Lebbeus Dod, the clock is a significant piece of Mendham's early history and has now been returned to the community where it was created nearly 250 years ago.
Why it matters: The donation preserves an important artifact of Mendham's Revolutionary-era heritage for future generations. The clock reflects the Borough's rich history and arrives at a fitting time as the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Council also committed that the clock will remain a permanent public historic asset and will never be sold.
What’s next: The Borough will preserve and display the clock as part of its historic collection. If the Borough is ever unable to properly care for it, the clock will be transferred to an appropriate museum or historical institution to ensure its long-term preservation.
Resolution #129-2026 – Certification of 2025 Annual Audit Review
What happened: Council certified that all members of the governing body received and reviewed the Borough's 2025 Annual Audit Report, including the auditor's comments and recommendations, as required by New Jersey law.
Why it matters: State law requires governing bodies to formally acknowledge their review of the annual audit to promote financial accountability and oversight. This certification confirms that Council has reviewed the auditor's findings and recommendations before submitting the required documentation to the State.
What’s next: The Borough Clerk will forward the certification and required affidavit to the New Jersey Local Finance Board, completing the Borough's annual audit compliance process.
Resolution #130-2026 – Approval of Annual Audit Corrective Action Plan
What happened: Council approved the Borough's 2025 Audit Corrective Action Plan and the follow-up report addressing findings from the 2024 audit, as required by New Jersey law. The action plan primarily addresses two recurring audit recommendations: improving the segregation of financial duties among staff and ensuring purchase orders are approved before goods or services are purchased.
Why it matters: The audit found that, because the Borough has a small staff, some financial responsibilities are concentrated among a limited number of employees. To strengthen internal controls, the Borough has expanded remote check deposit technology, implemented new finance software features that separate receipt posting from treasury functions, and plans to continue evaluating staff responsibilities in 2026. The Borough also improved compliance with purchasing requirements by implementing new finance system functionality for blanket purchase orders and providing additional staff training to ensure purchase orders are issued before purchases are made. A prior finding related to advertising certain contract change orders was resolved in 2024.
What’s next: The Borough will continue implementing these improvements, monitor compliance throughout 2026, and submit the approved Corrective Action Plan to the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services as part of its annual audit requirements.
Resolution #134-2026 – Opposition to Senate Bill 1836
What happened: Council adopted a resolution opposing New Jersey Senate Bill 1836, which would allow certain affordable housing developments to bypass local zoning and planning requirements. The resolution argues that the bill would reduce municipal control over land use decisions and undermine locally adopted master plans.
Why it matters: The Borough believes local officials are best positioned to balance housing needs with infrastructure, traffic, public safety, and community character. While municipalities are already working to meet their state-mandated affordable housing obligations, Council expressed concern that S-1836 could permit higher-density development with limited local review by allowing projects with as little as 20% affordable housing to bypass the traditional planning process.
What’s next: The Borough will send the resolution to the Governor, local legislators, and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, urging them to oppose S-1836 and similar legislation that limits local land use authority.
Resolution #135-2026 – Extension of Third Quarter Property Tax Grace Period
What happened: Council approved a resolution authorizing the Tax Collector to extend the third-quarter 2026 property tax grace period. Because the State's certification of the Borough's 2026 budget was delayed, Morris County has not yet finalized the tax rate, preventing the Borough from mailing tax bills on the normal schedule.
Why it matters: State law requires taxpayers to receive their tax bills at least 25 days before the end of the grace period. Extending the deadline ensures residents are not penalized for delays outside the Borough's control and have the full amount of time required by law to make their payment.
What’s next: Once the 2026 tax bills are mailed, the third-quarter payment deadline will be set for 25 days after the mailing date, giving property owners the required grace period before any interest or penalties apply.
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: What Is the Annual Municipal Audit?
TL;DR
Every New Jersey municipality is required to undergo an independent annual audit.
The audit reviews the Borough's finances, internal controls, and compliance with state laws.
Council must review the audit, approve a Corrective Action Plan, and report progress to the State.
The purpose is to improve financial oversight and ensure taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly.
At this month's Council meeting, two resolutions related to the Borough's annual audit were approved. While they may not be the most exciting items on the agenda, they're an important part of ensuring transparency and accountability in local government.decisions and overseeing the day-to-day operations of municipal government.
What Is the Annual Audit?
Every New Jersey municipality is required by law to have an independent Registered Municipal Accountant review its financial records each year. Think of it as an annual financial check-up. The audit examines the Borough's financial statements, purchasing practices, internal controls, and compliance with state regulations to ensure public funds are being managed properly.
An audit isn't just about finding problems. More often, it identifies opportunities to strengthen procedures and improve financial operations.
What Happens After the Audit?
Once the audit is complete, Council has several responsibilities required by state law:
Review the auditor's findings and recommendations.
Approve a Corrective Action Plan explaining how any recommendations will be addressed.
Submit that plan, along with a follow-up on prior audit findings, to the State.
This year's action plan continues work on two recurring recommendations:
Strengthening internal financial controls by further separating financial responsibilities among staff where possible.
Improving purchasing procedures by ensuring purchase orders are issued before goods or services are purchased.
The Borough has already made progress by implementing new financial software features, expanding remote deposit technology, and providing additional staff training.
Why Does This Matter?
The annual audit is one of the key ways municipalities demonstrate financial accountability. It provides an independent review of the Borough's finances and creates a process for continuously improving policies and procedures.
The bottom line: The audit helps ensure taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly, while the Corrective Action Plan ensures any recommendations are tracked and addressed—not just noted and forgotten.
How to Stay Engaged
📅 Next Council Meeting: August 12th, 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.
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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.
