Ordinances, Proclamations & Resolutions

Ordinance

An ordinance is a local law set forth by the governing body. The Township Committee is the governing body in Freehold Township. Anytime the Township Committee wishes to pass a local law or ordinance, it must be introduced at a public meeting. Once it is introduced, the township publishes the ordinance in the legal section of the local paper. The publication indicates the date and time established by the Committee for the public hearing on the ordinance. At the public hearing, the ordinance is read by title and then the floor is opened to members of the public who wish to make comments on the ordinance. After the public is finished commenting, the public hearing is closed and the members of the Township Committee vote on the ordinance. If passed, the ordinance is again published in the local paper and takes effect immediately upon publication. The only exception is bond ordinances, which take effect 20 days after publication.

Proclamation

A proclamation is a document given by the Township Committee to formally recognize an individual, an organization, a special event, an achievement, or a cause, etc. Proclamations are generally read at public meetings and presented to the person or group being recognized. Examples of proclamations include recognizing Township residents who have attained the Eagle Scout Award in Boy Scouts or declaring December to be National Drunk Driving Awareness Month in Freehold Township.

Resolution

A resolution is a formal expression of opinion, will or intent of a governing body. The Township Committee is the governing body in Freehold Township. Resolutions are passed at the same meeting they are introduced. Most administrative matters are handled by resolution. Examples of resolutions include awarding a contract for the purchase of sand and salt for snow and ice control services or entering into an agreement with Monmouth County to provide local bus services.