P.L. 1960, c. 169 [N.J.S.A. 40A:5-17(a)] provides that the Township
Committee shall approve or disapprove all claims and shall, by ordinance,
prescribe the manner in which claims shall be approved or disapproved, and
P.L. 1960, c. 169 [N.J.S.A. 40A:5-17(b)(1)] provides that the method of disbursing
moneys for payment of claims shall be by check drawn on the Township, signed
by the Mayor or other chief executive officer and the Municipal Clerk and
countersigned by the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer or other custodian
of funds.
All claims for payment shall be submitted to the Township Clerk on a
voucher containing the information and certification prescribed by P.L. 1960,
c. 169 [N.J.S.A. 40A:5-16(a)] or such other law as may be hereafter enacted.
The Township Clerk shall number the voucher and forward it to the appropriate
department head or municipal officer who shall recommend to the Township Committee
that the claim be approved, disapproved or resubmitted, and make the certifications
prescribed by P.L. 1960, c. 169, N.J.S.A. 40A:5-16(b), or such other law as
may be hereafter enacted. In the event that the appropriate municipal official
shall recommend disapproval or resubmission of the claim, then he shall provide
the Township Committee with his reasons for such a recommendation.
The Township Committee shall either:
A. Approve the claim as submitted, provided that they are
satisfied that the amount of the claim is correct, that the goods have been
received or the services have been rendered, and that the quality of the goods
or services is satisfactory; or
B. Disapprove the claim as submitted and notify the claimant
of the reason therefor.
When a claim has been approved by a majority of the Township Committee,
then each Committee member approving the claim shall either sign the voucher,
or where several claims are approved at one time, sign a statement listing
the voucher number, the claimant and the amount of the claim.
Payment of claims shall be made in accordance with P.L. 1960, c. 169
[N.J.S.A. 40A:5-17(b)(2)], or such other law as may be hereafter enacted,
and where checks are issued, they shall be signed by the Mayor or, in his
absence, the Deputy Mayor, and the Municipal Clerk and countersigned by the
Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer or, in his absence, the Assistant Treasurer
or by such other officer or officers as are designated by ordinance.