Welcome! The Township Council is the legislative body of Vernon Township.
Vernon Township Council Members
Sally A. Rinker- Mayor (I)
Harry Shortway- Deputy Mayor (R)
Richard W. Carson - Council Member (R)
Valerie Seufert - Council Member (R)
Brian Lynch - Council Member (R)
ABOUT OUR COUNCIL-MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Of the 566 municipalities in New Jersey, 40 currently use the Council-Manager form of government, including Vernon Township. The distinctive feature of this form of government is the strict separation between legislative and administrative functions.
Vernon's Council-Manager form of government has been in operation since 1999 after Vernon Township voters approved the recommendation of a Special Charter Study Commission by public Referendum that provided for a modernization in Vernon Township's form of local government. This change brought about Vernon's present Council-Manager form.
A. Responsibilities of the Township Council
The council represents the public and develops and adopts policies, resolves public issues, formulates township policy through Resolutions and Ordinances, and maintains a working knowledge of intergovernmental issues and how they will affect the Township.
Vernon's Council-Manager form of government calls for the partisan, at-large election of five (5) Township Council members, from whom the elected body selects one of its members to serve as mayor every two years. All policy making power is concentrated in the council. The mayor is a member of council and presides over its meetings with no seperate policy making powers or veto.
B. Responsibilities of the Township Manager
Administrative responsibilities are vested in a full-time Township Manager. The Manager is appointed by council and is fully accountable to the council. The Township Manager is the Township's municipal chief executive and administrative official.
C. Advisory boards and committees assist in the policy formulation of the Township Council.
Citizen volunteers serve on a wide-variety of boards, commissions, and advisory committees throughout the year. The combined efforts of the council, staff and community volunteers have a profound impact on the quality of life for all Vernon residents. The vitality and spirit of our community depends on the participation of our citizens promoting the quality of life we all desire.
Vernon Township is always interested in recruiting citizen volunteers who are prepared to work and meet the challenges that will make a difference for our town. Put your input and insight to good use by volunteering for a position on one of our Boards, Commissions, or Committees. Go to the link below to complete and send your application in to the Municipal Clerk. You will be notified if a position is immediately available for appointment.
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