2016 Financial Disclosure Statements are Past Due

April 30th was the deadline for submission of 2016 Financial Disclosure Statements.  Filing  a Financial Disclosure Statement is a statutory requirement in accordance with the Local Government Ethics Law - N.J.S.A 40A:9-22 et seq.

The law N.J.S.A. 40A: 9-22.3(g) stipulates that any person whether compensated or not, whether part-time or full-time: (1) elected to any office of a local government agency; (2) serving on a local government agency which has the authority to enact ordinances, approve development applications or grant zoning variances; and (3) who is a member of an independent municipal, county or regional authority must file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. 

As of this date several members of the Little Falls' Planning Board, the Rent Leveling Board, the Library Board and the Ethics Board have not filed their 2016 Financial Disclosure Statements.

The purpose of the financial disclosure requirement is to provide transparency regarding the financial dealings of board members and to ensure the public of their integrity with respect to possible conflicts of interest.

Individuals who do not file their annual Financial Disclosure Statement risk being found in violation of the Local Government Ethics Law, specifically N.J.S.A. 40A:9-22.6, which can result in disciplinary action and fines of $100-$500.