Department of Administration

The Department of Administration is at the center of the day-to-day operations of municipal government and the key official is the Business Administrator. The Business Administrator is the Director of the Department of Administration, which oversees a number of departments that comprise municipal government.

The Business Administrator carries out a variety of functions, powers, and duties as defined by NJ.S.A. 40:69A-44 et seq. The responsibilities of the Business Administrator, under the direction and supervision of the Mayor, include; assisting in the preparation and implementation of the budget, administering a centralized purchasing system, and having responsibility for the development and administration of a sound personnel system.

The Business Administrator performs other duties as prescribed by the Mayor and City Council. In addition, the Business Administrator, subject to the direction of the Mayor, administers each of the departments established by ordinance. For this purpose, the Business Administrator has the power to investigate the organization and operation of any and all departments, prescribe standards and rules of administrative practice and procedure, and consult with the heads of the departments under the jurisdiction of the Department of Administration, provided that with respect to any Department of Law and Department of Financial Administration, the authority of the Business Administrator under this subsection extends only to matters of budgeting, personnel, and purchasing. (N.J.S.A. 40:69A-44)

Specific duties of the Business Administrator also include attending all City Council meetings, performing as Purchasing Agent of the City in the absence of a separate appointment by the Mayor, coordinating and supervising the administration of each department as allowed by statute and code, administering the City's insurance program, assisting in the preparation and implementation of the budget, controlling and managing the lease, sale, and rental of City-owned real property subject to the requirements of the New Jersey statutes that govern the lease, rental or sale of City-owned property, develop and administer a personnel program.

The Business Administrator is assisted by administrative office staff in carrying out his or her responsibilities.