[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Mercer County as Ch. 2.12 of the 2003 Mercer County Code (Ord. No. 79-27). Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Pursuant to P.L. 2020, c. 67, effective 1-1-2021, the Code of Mercer County has been amended to delete the term “Board of Chosen Freeholders” and replace it with the term “Board of County Commissioners.” In addition, the terms “Freeholder” and “Chosen Freeholder” have been deleted and replaced by the term “County Commissioner.”]
It is the intent of this chapter to delineate the respective powers and duties of the Executive and the Board in a manner that will facilitate the efficient operation of Mercer County while maintaining the classic and necessary system of checks and balances between the Executive and Legislative Branches.
The term "governing body" of the County shall be construed to include both the Board of County Commissioners and the County Executive. For the purpose of the construction of all other applicable statutes any and all administrative or executive functions heretofore assigned by general law to the Board of County Commissioners shall be exercised by the County Executive, and any and all legislative functions heretofore assigned by general law to the Board of County Commissioners shall be exercised by the Board, all in accordance with the separation of powers provided in Section 86 of the Charter.[1]
A. 
Administration. The Board and individual members thereof shall deal with County employees only through the County Executive or the Administrator. All actions and communications regarding administration of the County shall be with the County Executive and his/her designated representative.
B. 
Inquiry. The Board shall have complete authority under the Charter and this chapter to inquire into any act or problem in administration of the County. A majority of the Board may designate one or more of its members as a special committee to consult with the County Executive on any matter and report to the Board thereon. Any Commissioner may require a report on any aspect of County government at any time by written request to the County Executive. Such reports shall be written.
C. 
Executive appearances. A majority of the whole Board may require the County Executive to appear before it sitting as a committee of the whole and to bring such records, reports and personnel as the Board shall request.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 40:41A-86.
It shall be the obligation of the Board and the Executive to assist each other whenever action is required by one to facilitate the other in performing his/her duties. To this end:
A. 
The Board shall act on all nominations for appointments presented by the Executive within 30 days after the Executive has filed such nominations pursuant to § 2.01.190 of the Code of Mercer County;
B. 
The Board shall observe N.J.S.A. 40:41A-86 and direct all communications concerning administration through the Executive;
C. 
All persons retained by or on behalf of the Board shall be subject to Board appointment and removal;
D. 
The Board shall initiate action on all legislative proposals of the Executive within 90 days after receipt thereof;
E. 
The Executive shall provide the Board with copies of all agency budget requests as received in September and any amendments thereto, upon receipt thereof. He/she shall further perform the duties set forth in Title 4, Revenue and Finance, of the Code of Mercer County in a timely fashion so that the Board may examine and approve the budget in the manner intended by this chapter and by law;
F. 
A copy of any proposed salary increase or change in salary range or title for any employee or position in the Executive branch shall be furnished to the Board at least 10 days prior to the effective date of such proposals or 48 hours after implementation of a retroactive salary increase or retroactive change in title or classification;
G. 
The Board of County Commissioners shall have the power and authority to establish the salaries for:
(1) 
County Executive.
(2) 
Commissioners.
(3) 
Constitutional officers:
(a) 
Surrogate.
(b) 
Prosecutor.
(c) 
Sheriff.
(d) 
County Clerk.
(4) 
The compensation of the County Administrator and department heads shall be fixed by the Board as per the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:41A-100.
H. 
The Executive shall provide the Board and its members with offices, equipment and other facilities for their exclusive use which are appropriate and adequate to the governing body of the County.