General News
Prevailing Wage Threshold Increase & Online Certified Payroll Submissi - 08/06/2024
In conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), the Division of Local Government Services reminds local governments and boards of education of two important statutory updates under the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act (N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.25 et seq.) and the Public Works Contractor Registration Act (PWCR Act N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.48 et seq.):
The Prevailing Wage Threshold: Contracts for public work that exceed a threshold of $19,375 as of July 1, 2024, for municipalities, and $2,000 for all other public bodies, are subject to both the Prevailing Wage Act and the PWCR Act.
New Jersey Wage Hub
- Governor Murphy signed into law S - 1442/A-5345, now P.L. 2023, c. 138, which requires public work contractor registration and payroll certification for public work projects to be completed online at https://njwages.nj.gov/. Public bodies must
register their agency prior to August 15, 2024. In addition to receiving certified payrolls via the Hub, agencies must still receive certified payroll via hard copy from contractors and subcontractors.
- Go to https://njwages.nj.gov/ to register. For assistance with registration, please email njwagehubinfo@dol.nj.gov. NJDOL has teams standing by to assist in the registration process.
- NJDOL created instructional videos to assist both public entities and Public Work Contractors in the registration, creation of projects and uploading of online certified payroll on the NJ Wage Hub. The instructional videos are accessible online at
https://nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/prevailing-rates/njwagehub.shtml.
These updates surround "public work", which is defined as: "construction, reconstruction, demolition, alteration, custom fabrication, duct cleaning or repair work, or maintenance work, including painting and decorating, done under contract and paid for in whole or in part out of the funds of a public body, except work performed under a rehabilitation program. "Public work" shall also mean construction, reconstruction, demolition, alteration, custom fabrication, or repair work, done on any property or premises, whether or not the work is paid for from public funds, if, at the time of the entering into of the contract the property or premises is owned by the public body or:
- Not less than 55% of the property or premises is leased by a public body, or is subject to an agreement to be subsequently leased by the public body; and
- The portion of the property or premises that is leased or subject to an agreement to be subsequently leased by the public body measures more than 20,000 square feet."
As part of the enforcement side of Public Work, please be aware that the NJDOL is authorized to issue Stop Work Orders on any public work project that is not compliant with Prevailing Wage and the PWCR Act.
More information and resources are available at https://njwages.nj.gov.
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2024 Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development - 08/02/2024
Dear Municipal Partner:
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority invite you to attend the 2024 Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development from September 17 through September 18, 2024.
Join fellow municipal partners, industry leaders, and advocates who will share valuable information and effective strategies on how to improve affordable housing and economic development across the state.
You won't want to miss our plenary session with key legislators, The Honorable Senator Vincent J. Polistina, District 2, Senator Troy Singleton, District 7, and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, District 19, where they will discuss ongoing efforts to transform our state into a place where everyone can live and thrive.
Other key sessions include but are not limited to:
- A Statewide Action Agenda for Equitable Sustainable Housing where you'll gain practical skills and knowledge to utilize housing and mixed-use developments to further state and local planning goals.
- Real Estate Development Through Tax Credits where you'll learn about the NJ Economic Development Authority's financial programs directly available to municipalities developers.
- Innovative Approaches for Affordable and Sustainable Housing where you'll have an opportunity to explore tools for Tax Credit Applications, Electrification, and Missing Middle Housing. Experts will explore innovative
tools and strategies aimed at increasing affordability, sustainability, and community integration in housing development.
- How is New Jersey supporting its Main Streets? You'll gain knowledge about support, resources, and successes for Main Street businesses throughout the state.
- How New Jersey Supports Cities and Small Developers where you'll learn about NJ Economic Development Authority's Government Restricted Municipalities (GRMs) and products/resources developed to support these cities in
a different way.
We are pleased to announce that this year's event will once again take place at the Waterfront Conference Center at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City. Our team has been working tirelessly to curate a diverse range of sessions, networking opportunities, keynote speakers, and an overall atmosphere that will promote professional growth during our annual two-day symposium.
We look forward to seeing you at the conference and hope that you enjoy the event!
Sincerely,
The Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development
Register now by visiting: https://nj.gov/dca/news/news/2024/approved/20240701.shtml
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Municipal Lead Reporting Webinar for P.L. 2021, c.182 on August 5, 202 - 08/01/2024
Notice issued on behalf of the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Housing and Community Resources.
P.L. 2021, c.182 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16) mandates inspections for lead-based paint hazards in certain pre-1978 single-family, two-family, and multiple-rental dwellings. These inspections must be completed, and the documentation submitted to DCA by no later than July 22, 2024, or upon tenant turnover, whichever is earlier.
Municipalities with a permanent construction enforcement agency are required to perform these inspections themselves. Those without such an agency must contract with a DCA-certified vendor.
Inspection documentation can be submitted through the new Municipal Lead Reporting Portal at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/MuniLeadReportPort.shtml.
Live Webinar: We will be hosting a live webinar to further discuss the requirements and demonstrate the portal. The webinar will take place on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 10:00 AM. You can register for the webinar via the following Teams link: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/2356f1bb-983e-4c9f-bbaf-fed202895527@5076c3d1-3802-4b9f-b36a-e0a41bd642a7. A recording of the webinar will also be made available.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact us at LeadLawReporting@dca.nj.gov or visit our website at https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/resources/leadpaint.shtml.
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P.L. 2024, c.2 Affordable Housing Reporting Requirement Update - 07/19/2024
Notice issued on behalf of the Department of Community Affairs, Local Planning Services
Senate Bill S-3385 was signed into law by Governor Murphy on July 10, 2024. The new law provides that municipalities that are authorized to retain and expend non-residential affordable housing development fees have 180 days following the March 20, 2024 enactment of P.L.2024, c.2 to provide the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) with an accounting of non-residential fees and residential affordable housing development fees that have been collected and expended since the inception of the municipal authorization to collect and retain the fees. The revision to the law harmonizes the reporting requirement for non-residential fees with residential development fee reporting requirements also set forth in the new law. The revised deadline for both types of fee reporting is now September 16, 2024.
We are in the process of developing an on-line reporting system that will streamline and update the existing CTM reporting system previously used by COAH. We will be sending out periodic updates to keep all municipalities informed on the progress and availability of the new system. In the interim, we encourage all municipalities to continue using the legacy CTM system to report the collection and expenditure of Affordable Housing Trust funds and affordable unit completions. All data entered into the CTM system, including residential development fees, non-residential development fees, and details on completed affordable units, will be migrated into the new Affordable Housing Monitoring System (AHMS).
As the new AHMS development progresses, we will keep you appraised via future GovConnect communications.
For any questions email LPSmail@dca.nj.gov.
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CY 2024/FY 2025 State Aid Recapitulation & Payment Schedules - 07/17/2024
Local Finance Notice 2024-12 (https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/lfns/2024/2024-12.pdf) summarizes the State Aid payment program for CY 2024 and SFY 2025 municipal budgets. The State Aid breakdown and amounts for each payment cycle on the dynamic Municipal Aid Recapitulation Schedule are posted on the Division of Local Government Services website at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/resources/Muni_StateAid.shtml under the State Aid Recapitulation and Payment Schedules heading.
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Local Finance Notice 2024-11 - Volunteer Fire & EMS Incentives - 07/10/2024
The Division of Local Government Services is aware that various local units pay incentives to volunteer firefighters for purposes of maintaining and increasing volunteer rosters. Local Finance Notice 2024-11, available at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/lfns/2024/2024-11.pdf, updates municipalities and fire districts on current Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance and Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidance pertaining to incentives paid to volunteer firefighters, along with first aid, ambulance, and rescue squad volunteers ("EMS"), other than the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP). Nominal stipends funded through the federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program's volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention (R&R) grant is also discussed.
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General Ledger & Encumbrance Accounting Systems- Regulatory Update - 07/10/2024
Local Finance Notice 2024-09, available at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/lfns/2024/2024-09.pdf, details the substantial updates made to N.J.A.C. 5:30-5.7 by the Local Finance Board as part of its readoption of N.J.A.C. 5:30. N.J.A.C. 5:30-5.7 establishes required procedures for proper maintenance of a general ledger accounting system that are applicable to all local units, including authorities, fire districts, and joint meetings/regional service agencies. The Notice also discusses updates made to Subchapter 5 as it pertains to encumbrance accounting for purchasing.
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Webinar for Municipalities on Addressing Unsheltered Homelessness - 07/09/2024
In response to activity around homeless encampments in various towns, along with the recent SCOTUS Grants Pass decision, DHCR's Office of Homelessness Prevention, in partnership with the Division of Local Government Services at the Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Human Services, is planning a webinar on July 23, 2024 for municipalities on addressing unsheltered homelessness from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.
The emphasis will be on ways to address unsheltered homelessness and encampments without engaging in traumatic clearances that increase tension and complicate coordinated housing efforts, with a focus on:
1) How to connect with Continuums of Care and resources locally, focusing on building relationships and thoughtful planning.
2) Street outreach, Rapid rehousing, Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) and other DCA and DHS resources and programs through which persons living in encampments can rapidly enter into housing.
3) Evidenced-based and compassionate engagement strategies that are proven to assist people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, led by some of DCA and DHS outreach providers like Bridges and CSPNJ.
The webinar will last approximately 90 minutes via MS Teams.
Materials will be distributed prior and after the webinar.
Registration is required and available using the following link: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/0e066572-6e2b-47a3-90fc-c4ab013c283c@5076c3d1-3802-4b9f-b36a-e0a41bd642a7
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FY2024 Local Recreation Improvement Grant - Recipient Procedures - 06/03/2024
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) announced today the grant awards for the FY 2024 Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) Program totaling $25 million to 372 recipients.
The LRIG award amounts differ from the amounts requested by the applicants. Therefore, awardee grant applications will be returned through SAGE under the heading of "Application Modifications Required" and each grant recipient is required to go into SAGE and modify the "Budget Overview" section "DCA Funds Requested" portion of the application to reflect the grant amount awarded by DLGS. Please SAVE changes. Go back to application menu and select "Submit Modified Application."
The grant application budget modifications are to be resubmitted through SAGE no later than Friday, June 7, 2024. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the loss of your grant award.
Grant recipients are reminded to review their SAGE "Agency Profile" information and update the "Agency Information" page, "Contact Information," and "Vendor Number". Please be mindful that agency updates need to be submitted, so check the task list in SAGE to be sure it is not pending as initiated. Grant recipients are also reminded to update the âGrantee Contact Informationâ and "Email Grant Contacts" once the grant agreement is sent to the grant recipients for execution.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email LRIG@dca.nj.gov.
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FY 2024 Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) - Grant Awards Annou - 05/31/2024
DCA Awards $25 Million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants to 372 Local Governments Across the State; Grant Funding Will Help Improve Municipal and County Parks, Recreational Facilities, and Local Stadiums
TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) today announced the award of $25 million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants to counties, municipalities, and school districts across New Jersey to ensure public access to quality outdoor space and recreational facilities. The grants were awarded to 372 local governments after a competitive application process.
"DCA recognizes that a big part of what makes a community healthy and dynamic is having well-maintained public places for outdoor activities. For three years running, the Department has provided grants to local governments to help them upgrade their parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and other recreational spaces," said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez.
Grant recipients will use the funding to help cover costs associated with updating community centers, playgrounds, pools, fields, walking or bicycle trails, rail trails, multi-sport courts, and recreational facilities. The grants can also be utilized for project development professional services such as engineering and architectural costs; equipment costs including playgrounds or bleachers for stadiums or community theaters; and environmental remediation costs required to prepare recreation sites for use.
A full list of the recipients, including grant award and grant project, is posted at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/lriggrants.shtml on the DCA website.
A copy of the FY 2024 Local Recreation Improvement Grant Management Guidelines is attached and can also be found at: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/lriggrants.shtml.
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Alcoholic Beverage Retail Licensee Clearance Certificates (Renewal) - 05/22/2024
Notice sent on behalf of ABC License Verification Unit, New Jersey Division of Taxation
Dear Municipal Clerk:
The Alcoholic Beverage Retail Licensee Clearance Certificates (Renewal) have been updated for the 2024 - 2025 season. As of today, Wednesday May 22, 2024, you can view which renewals have been issued and ready for you to print to allow for renewal.
Be aware, you must have a renewal clearance in order to pass your resolution for the 2024 - 2025 year. Should a licensee not have clearance, IMMEDIATELY contact the licensee, and advise them you have not received their renewal clearance.
All the licenses have been cleared except for the older licenses that were not cleared last year.
Please advise the licensee that they can either 1) contact the caseworker they are currently corresponding with at the New Jersey Division of Taxation or;
2) they can reach out via email to the ABC Licensing Unit at: ABCclearance.Public@treas.state.nj.us.
Statuses will not be discussed with the Clerks.
If there is a licensee that has transferred their license after December 31, 2023 and you have BOTH a Renewal Clearance in the name of the prior licensee AND an Alcoholic Beverage Retail Licensee Clearance Certificate (Transfer) to the current licensee in your possession, they are in compliance and can be renewed.
Should an active licensee obtain a renewal clearance and the final meeting before July 1, 2024 has passed, they must obtain an ad-interim to get them to the next meeting in order to continue to sell alcohol.
To view the list of licensees in your municipality and those cleared by Taxation, login to your myNJ/GovConnect account at http://Portal.NJ.gov and click the "Annual ABC License Clearance" link located in the GovConnect Links section. Here you will see all licensees that are clear or need to be cleared within your municipality.
NOTE:
- If you are a Municipal Clerk and DO NOT have a User ID and Password for login to the myNJ/GovConnect website, please email your
request for a "GovConnect Authentication Code" to EGG@dca.nj.gov.
- If you are a Municipal Clerk and HAVE a User ID and Password and CAN login to myNJ/GovConnect but DO NOT HAVE THE LINK "Annual
ABC License Clearance," please email your request for a "GovConnect Authentication Code" to EGG@dca.nj.gov.
NOTE: If you are an ABC SECRETARY, and do not have access to the listing for your municipality: Please email ABCclearance.Public@treas.state.nj.us with information to set up your access.
Thank you,
ABC License Verification Unit
New Jersey Division of Taxation
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Updated Local Public Contracts Law Reference Guide Now Available - 05/08/2024
The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) in partnership with Rutgers Center for Government Services (CGS) announces the publication of Version 2.1 of the N.J. Local Public Contracts Law and Regulations Reference Guide.
The Guide is an indispensable reference for all procurement officials and those other officials with procurement responsibilities. It contains the full text of the Local Public Contracts Law and various supplemental procurement regulations and other guidance material. It is the goal of DLGS and Rutgers CGS to provide periodic updates. You can review the changes and download the updated version here: https://rutgers.app.box.com/s/jhnehsrq56yj618vlf70jl1wwfzk2w7x.
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Register Today! NJ Certified Public Manager Capstone Project Panel Dis - 05/08/2024
This free course has been approved by the NJ Department of Community Affairs for 1 contact hour of continuing education units for the following professional certifications: County Certified Finance Officer, Certified Municipal Finance Officer, Certified Public Works Manager, Registered Municipal Clerk, Certified Tax Collector and Qualified Purchasing Agent
Experience the Power of NJ Certified Public Manager (CPM) Expertise:
Join us for a unique opportunity to learn from two CPM graduates who completed exceptional Capstone Projects and successfully implemented them.
Mark Your Calendar
Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Cost: Free
If you have any questions, please contact: cliptraining.support@csc.nj.gov
For more information about CPM Program, please visit the website at: https://nj.gov/csc/training/cpm
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FY2024 Local Recreation Improvement Grant - Application Submittal Dead - 04/11/2024
IMPORTANT NOTICE - PLEASE DELIVER TO THE APPROPRIATE PERSONNEL ASAP
On January 11, 2024 the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) announced that applications are being accepted for the Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) Program that is being offered to New Jersey counties, municipalities and school districts. The Murphy Administration has allocated $25 million in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget to this competitive grant program that supports improvement and repair of public recreation facilities including local parks, municipal recreation centers, and local stadiums.
This is a reminder that applications must be submitted through the NJDCA SAGE Portal and are due no later than 5:00 P.M. EST on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (no exceptions). Please do not forget to select SUBMIT, otherwise the application will not be received. Also, please be mindful to make sure that the agency information is up to date, otherwise the system will not allow you to submit. If an update is required, it must be done immediately to allow adequate processing and approval time by the Department of Community Affairs' IT unit.
The following are required to be submitted with the Local Recreation Improvement Grant:
- Grant application
- Governing body resolution
- Project narrative
- Detailed proposed project budget
- Letter certifying that the applicant maintains ownership of property where improvements are being made.
If your application is submitted, no further action is required.
Program guidelines and detailed information about the FY2024 LRIG Program is available at: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/lrig_docs/FY%202024%20-%20Local%20Recreation%20Improvement%20Grant%20Guidelines.pdf.
PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NEW INSTRUCTIONS ON OBTAINING A VENDOR ID FOR APPLICANTS THAT DO NOT ALREADY HAVE A NJSTART VENDOR ID.
The Division of Local Government Services serves as an advocate for local government interests and provides technical and financial assistance in budgeting, financial reporting, joint services, purchasing, and management issues. They are responsible for the financial integrity of all local government units and review and approve all municipal, county, and fire district budgets. They also review many local government financial actions and govern and guide the conduct of local government officials.
For more information about DCA and The Division of Local Government Services, visit https://nj.gov/dca/.
Please email LRIG@dca.nj.gov with any questions.
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ARP-FFG Grant Awards Announcement - 03/13/2024
Murphy Administration Awards $20 Million in American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants to 353 Fire Departments in New Jersey. Grants Will Ensure Firefighters Have Proper Fire Protection, Cleaning, and Sanitization Equipment.
TRENTON, NJ - Governor Phil Murphy today announced the award of $20 million in American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants to local and regional fire departments across New Jersey to ensure firefighters have proper protective, cleaning, and sanitization equipment. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) awarded the grants to 353 fire departments after a competitive application process.
Today's announcement marks the second time the Murphy Administration has awarded American Rescue Plan (ARP) Firefighter Grants. In November 2022, DCA awarded $10 million to 293 fire departments.
"I am pleased that my Administration was able to double the allocation of ARP funds in this year's budget from $10 million to $20 million to fire departments, which provide critical, life-saving services in our communities," said Governor Murphy. "The continuation of the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant Program for a second cycle means local governments don't have to break the bank to get firefighters the gear and equipment they need. We're putting our federal tax dollars to use here in New Jersey communities for essential services."
"This funding would not be possible without the support of our state and federal legislators, who have time and time again prioritized our first responders," continued Governor Murphy.
"It can be difficult for fire departments to replace equipment when needed due to the high costs involved and financial constraints. The American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants give fire departments the ability to purchase the equipment they need to protect our communities and keep themselves safe," said DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez. "DCA is proud to administer this important grant program and direct federal funds to the public servants who answer the call to serve their community despite enormous risk to their lives."
From the establishment of the firefighter grant program nearly 25 years ago, to consistently requesting budget resolutions towards funding to support fire departments throughout the state, to the creation of task forces in support of fire safety, New Jersey legislators at the federal and state level have advocated for our fire departments for years.
"As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I am thrilled to see Governor Murphy allocate $20 million in American Rescue Plan funds to fire departments statewide," said Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09). "I fought to include funding for our first responders in President Biden's American Rescue Plan and I am glad to see the funds put to use for our firefighters. This investment will empower 335 local and regional fire departments across New Jersey, providing them with the resources they need to protect our communities and save lives. I commend Governor Murphy and his administration for their dedication to public safety. In the Congress, I will continue fighting to ensure our first responders have the funding and support they need to keep us and themselves safe."
Fire departments will use the grant funding to help cover costs associated with the purchases of:
- Protective clothing (turnout clothing ensembles, pants, helmets, hoods, gloves, footwear, etc.);
- Cleaning and advanced cleaning equipment;
- Breathing apparatuses;
- Personal protective equipment (PPE); and
- Other fire and/or virus protection equipment as determined to be appropriate by DCA's Division of Local Government Services (DLGS).
A full list of the grant recipients, including grant award amount, is posted at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/arpffg.shtml on DCA's website.
To qualify for grant funding, each eligible applicant had to describe the intended use of the funding, list the key personnel and/or outside consultant that will be managing the grant funds and purchase of equipment, and submit a governing body resolution acknowledging and approving any grant application and the proposed plan to use funds for the purchase of approved items.
Grant applications were reviewed based on the following criteria:
- Scope of fire department need as demonstrated by equipment need, number of service calls, number of active firefighters, distressed city rating, and population of service area.
- Level of commitment to protecting firefighters as demonstrated by the local match to the grant funding and other grants for protective equipment or other firefighting projects.
All local and regional fire departments in New Jersey were eligible to apply.
The American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants are reimbursement-based. There is no advance payment or drawdown of grant funds. Eligible costs are reimbursed to the fire department when it submits evidence of payment of qualifying expenses to DCA.
"Safe clothing and gear are extremely important to firefighters' physical and mental health," said State Fire Marshal and Division of Fire Safety Director Richard Mikutsky. "The continuation of these grant funds means so much to these dedicated first responders, many of whom are volunteers."
"Another strong commitment from the Murphy administration to protect New Jersey's bravest. The number one killer to firefighters is cancer. This appropriation will help ensure we continue to take the steps to protect ourselves while we are out there protecting the residents and visitors of New Jersey," said Ed Donnelly, President NJ FMBA.
"The health and safety of Firefighters should be a top priority for everyone in our state. This grant program goes a long way in supporting the well-being of our NJ Firefighters who serve in career and volunteer departments. We applaud Governor Murphy for his leadership and thank everyone involved for this important program. Having proper protective equipment and the ability to maintain that equipment in an uncontaminated condition will help shield the health and safety of Firefighters throughout NJ," said Robert F. Ordway, President, New Jersey State Firemen's Association.
"Since the inception of the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants program, the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) is honored to stand with the governor on this initiative. We are proud to see the awarding of an additional $20 million in funding. PFANJ firefighters courageously confront dangers daily, and this funding empowers departments to procure essential equipment for our vital duties. Governor Murphy consistently prioritizes the safety of our members, and for that, we express our gratitude," said Matthew Caliente, President, Professional Firefighters Assoc. of NJ, IAFF, NJ AFLCIO.
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24-07 Annual Financial Disclosure Statement Filing (LGE Representative - 03/15/2024
Local Finance Notice 2024-07 has now been issued. The LFN contains important information concerning the annual Financial Disclosure Statement (FDS) filing process for Local Government Entity Representatives (LGE Representatives) for 2024. You may view the notice by clicking on this https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/lfns/2024/2024-07.pdf.
Rosters may now be updated. The deadline to complete roster updates is March 29, 2024 as LGOs will be able to start filing shortly thereafter. During this time period for roster updates, Local Government Officers (LGOs) will not be able to access the filing system to file a FDS for 2024.
A separate Local Finance Notice (LFN 2024-08) will be released in the upcoming weeks for distribution to LGOs. The statutory deadline for LGO filing is April 30, 2024. Please wait until LFN 2024-08 has been issued before informing LGOs that they can begin filing.
The Local Finance Board has developed numerous resources, including webinars, to help the LGE Representatives with managing the FDS rosters. The webinars, available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7WdF7A70VAh7emujl7XZOg, show how to manage the FDS roster, as well as how to determine positions that are deemed LGOs, and thus who is required to file. The recording was designed to help LGE Representatives, especially new representatives, understand the FDS system.
If you have questions that are not addressed in LFN 2024-07, please see the Help resources at www.fds.nj.gov, e-mail LFB_FDS@dca.nj.gov, or call the Local Finance Board staff at 609-815-3904.
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FY2024 Local Recreation Improvement Grant Deadline Extension - 02/28/2024
FY2024 Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) Deadline Extension:
The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) performed a review of the Local Recreation Improvement Grant applications in SAGE which reflect an extraordinary number of applications that remain in-process and not submitted.
DLGS is urging applicants to review their applications, make corrections if any errors are reflected and submit the application. Upon submittal, the applicant listed in SAGE should receive an email confirmation of their application submittal.
DLGS is extending the deadline for applicants who have applications in process to Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 5:00 P.M. EST. Please note, the application deadline will not be extended again.
If your application is submitted, no further action is required.
Applications must be submitted through the NJDCA SAGE Portal at: https://dcasage.intelligrants.com/Portal.asp.
Program Guidelines and detailed information about the FY2024 LRIG Program is available at: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/lrig_docs/FY%202024%20-%20Local%20Recreation%20Improvement%20Grant%20Guidelines.pdf. PLEASE NOTE NEW INSTRUCTIONS ON OBTAINING A VENDOR ID FOR APPLICANTS THAT DO NOT ALREADY HAVE A NJSTART VENDOR ID.
SAGE Application Instructions are available at: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/lrig_docs/SAGE%20User%20Manual%20-%20Grantees.pdf.
Please contact Stacey Taylor-Burnell at Stacey.Taylor-Burnell@dca.nj.gov with any questions.
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Local Finance Notice 2024-04 - New Russia-Belarus Law Developments - 02/22/2024
Local Finance Notice 2024-04, available at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/lfns/2024/2024-04.pdf, explains important new developments on the Russia-Belarus law and the reinstatement of a revised contractor/vendor certification for State and local contracting units.
In light of recent legal developments, on January 22, 2024 the New Jersey Department of the Treasury issued a notice reinstating the Russia-Belarus vendor/contractor certification requirement (https://www.nj.gov/treasury/administration/pdf/NoticeRussia.pdf).
Now, when a contract for goods or services is awarded, renewed, amended, or extended, a contracting unit shall now 1) require a vendor or contractor to certify, using the State Treasury's vendor certification as a template (https://www.nj.gov/treasury/administration/pdf/DisclosureofProhibitedActivitesinRussiaBelarus.pdf), that the vendor or contractor is not identified on the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list due to activity related to Russia and/or Belarus, and 2) type the vendor's or contractor's name and address into the OFAC list search to determine whether they appear on the list due to activity related to Russia and/or Belarus.
Please note that this certification process must be followed before designating a redeveloper under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1 et seq.), entering into an agreement for a payment in-lieu of taxes (PILOT), or otherwise awarding a municipal property tax abatement.
A new stand-alone model Iran Investment certification form is also available at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/lpcl_docs/YB%20-%20Disclosure%20of%20Iran%20Investments.docx.
Please review Local Finance Notice 2024-04 closely for additional details.
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FY 2024 Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) Grant Announcement - 01/30/2024
The Division of Local Government Services and New Jersey's Shared Services Czars are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for FY 2024 Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) Grants.
LEAP affords an unprecedented opportunity to incentivize shared services implementation across New Jersey's local government entities, advancing the mission of the Shared Services Program.
LEAP facilitates exploring and establishing shared services by providing counties, municipalities, school districts, commissions, authorities and fire districts assistance for the study or implementation of shared services projects undertaken pursuant to the Uniform Shared Service and Consolidation Act.
Applications for LEAP Challenge Grants are due no later than April 15, 2024.
LEAP Implementation and LEAP County Coordinator Fellowship Grants are on a rolling application process; however, application submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. EST on April 15, 2024, for applications to be eligible for grant funding. Limited funding is available under the applicable FY 2024 appropriation and awards under FY 2024 funding cycle must be encumbered before June 30, 2024. A completed application package must be submitted electronically to DLGS at dlgs.leapgrant@dca.nj.gov. The date of email submission shall constitute the date filed. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.
Detailed information, including program guidelines and applications about the FY 2024 LEAP, is available at: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/Leap_grants.shtml
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