reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
NJ Rev Stat § 40:85-2 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:85-2 - Petition for submission; proposition stated

40:85-2. Petition for submission; proposition stated  A petition in writing signed by not less than twenty per cent of the electors appearing on the registry list at the previous general election shall be filed with the municipal clerk, requesting that the governing body of such municipality request the county clerk to place upon the general election ballot to be used in such municipality at the next general election the following question: "Shall the municipality (name of municipality) abandon its organization under the municipal manager form of government under subtitle 5 of the title Municipalities and Counties of the Revised Statutes (s. 40:79-1 et seq.), and resume the form of government under the law under which it was being governed when the municipal manager form of government was adopted?"
NJ Rev Stat § 40:85-3 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:85-3 - Petition; form and content

40:85-3. Petition; form and content  The petition shall be in substantially the following form: "To the municipal clerk of (name of municipality): "You are hereby requested to lay before the municipal council of the municipality of (name of municipality) forthwith the demand of the undersigned to request the county clerk to place upon the general ballot to be used at the next general election to be held in said municipality, the following public question: " 'Shall the municipality (name of municipality) abandon its organization under the municipal manager form of government under subtitle 5 of the title Municipalities and Counties of the Revised Statutes (s. 40:79-1 et seq.), and resume the form of government under the law under which it was being governed when the municipal manager form of government was adopted?' "
NJ Rev Stat § 40:85-4 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:85-4 - Petition; affidavit annexed

40:85-4. Petition; affidavit annexed  The petition shall have annexed thereto the following form of affidavit: State of New Jersey, ) ss. County of ............ ) ...................... , being duly sworn, according to law, upon his oath says that he is the person who procured the signatures on the foregoing petition; that the signatures therein are in the handwriting of the signers, and to the best of his knowledge and belief are the signatures of the persons purporting to sign the same."
NJ Rev Stat § 40:85-5 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:85-5 - Petition need not be on single paper; affidavit annexed

40:85-5. Petition need not be on single paper; affidavit annexed  The petition need not be on a single sheet of paper but may be on any number of separate sheets of paper, for the purpose of more conveniently obtaining signatures. Each separate paper shall be in the form provided in section 40:85-3 of this title, and there shall be attached thereto an affidavit by the person who procured the signatures, declaring that the signatures thereon are in the handwriting of the signers, and to the best of his knowledge and belief are the signatures of the persons purporting to have signed the same. The affidavit may be sworn to before any officer competent to administer oaths.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:85-6 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:85-6 - Minor deviations permissible

40:85-6. Minor deviations permissible  No petition shall be rejected by the municipal clerk for any typographical deviation of the form provided herein or for any minor departure therefrom, but such petition shall be accepted if it substantially conforms to the form provided herein, the form being for the guidance of the parties.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:85-7 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:85-7 - Clerk to examine petitions; amendments

40:85-7. Clerk to examine petitions; amendments  The municipal clerk shall examine the petition and within ten days of the date of its being filed with him, shall certify the same to the municipal council if the same is complete and regular, and if the same is not complete and regular, the same may be amended in any respect to cure the defects.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:85-8 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:85-8 - Municipal council to pass resolution to place question on ballot

40:85-8. Municipal council to pass resolution to place question on ballot  The municipal council, upon receiving the petition shall, within five days, pass a resolution and forward it to the county clerk, requesting that the question be placed upon the general election ballot, as required by law, for submission of a public question.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:85-9 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:85-9 - County clerk to place question on ballot

40:85-9. County clerk to place question on ballot  The county clerk, upon receiving such request, shall place the question upon the general election ballot for such municipality at the next general election. The question shall be submitted in the form required by law for the submission of public questions.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:85-10 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:85-10 - Vote required for adoption; effect of adoption; certain officers unaffected

40:85-10. Vote required for adoption; effect of adoption; certain officers unaffected  If the majority of the votes cast shall be in favor of the question, then the same shall be certified to by the county election officials as provided under the general election law, the municipal manager form of government shall be abolished in such municipality and the same to take effect on January first in the second year after the general election at which the question of abandoning the municipal manager form of government shall be adopted, and January first of the second year after said general election the terms of offices of all officials under the municipal manager form of government, whether elective or appointive, shall cease and determine, and such municipality shall become a municipality under the law under which it was governed prior to the adoption of the municipal manager form of government, but such change shall not in any manner or degree affect the property, right or liability of any nature of such municipality, but shall merely extend to such change in the form of government. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to affect in any way the term of office of any policeman, fireman or other employee of any police or fire department, veteran of any war, or other official or employee now protected by any tenure of office act. If the municipality is operating under the provisions of subtitle 3 of the title Civil Service (s. 11:19-1 et seq.), at the time of the abandonment of the municipal manager form of government therein, nothing herein contained relative to the termination of his term or to his dismissal or discharge shall apply to any person holding any position or office coming within the classified service of the civil service law.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:85-11 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:85-11 - Nomination, election of officers for new government.

40:85-11 Nomination, election of officers for new government.  40:85-11. At the primary election for the general election held in such municipality after the general election at which such question shall be adopted, the electors of such municipality shall nominate officials for the new form of government to take effect in the following January, and at the general election one year after the general election at which such question shall have been adopted, the electors of such municipality shall elect the officials under the form of government which shall take effect the following January. Amended 2005, c.136, s.66.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:85-12 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:85-12 - If rejected no petition for two years

40:85-12. If rejected no petition for two years  If a majority of the votes cast at the election are against resuming the former government as provided in section 40:85-1 of this title no other petition for a change from the form of government then in force shall be filed in the municipality within two years thereafter, after which date, upon the presentation of another petition or request as provided in this chapter, the same procedure shall be had and the question of resuming the former form of government may be submitted to vote in the manner prescribed in this chapter.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:103-5(71) (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:103-5(71) - Incorporation; corporate name

40:103-5(71). Incorporation; corporate name  Any city of the State that has adopted the provisions of this act prior to the effective date of this act shall thereby be and become a body corporate, and shall have the officers, government and powers that are herein provided for or conferred and by all applicable provisions of general law.  Upon the adoption of this act the name of the city adopting its provisions shall be, and it shall thereafter be known as "The City of ........" (Inserting in the said blank the territorial name by which said city has been theretofore designated or known, not including in said name such words as the mayor and city council or other like words.)  L. 1963, c.149; saved from repeal 1979,c.20,s. 2. amended by L. 1987,c.314, s. 2.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:103-5(97) (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:103-5(97) - Establishment, abolition, merger of commissions

40:103-5(97). Establishment, abolition, merger of commissions  a. The city council by resolution may, and upon the filing with the city clerk of a written petition signed by 100 residents of the city registered to vote in the last preceding general election requesting said action, shall place on the ballot for the next general election a proposition for the establishment, merger, consolidation or abolition of a board of police commissioners, board of fire commissioners or board of water commissioners, except that if no general election is to be held within 90 days of such resolution, the council may provide for a special election to consider such a proposition. Each proposition shall relate to only one such board; provided, however, that more than one proposition may appear on the same ballot. The proposition shall be publicized and advertised and any such special election shall be conducted in the manner hereinafter provided in this act.  The proposition shall be presented in the following general form:  "Shall there be established a Board of Yes. Water Commissioners (or as the case may be, fire commissioners or police commissioners) in No. lieu of regulation, supervision and operation of the water department under the direction of the Mayor and City Council? "Shall the Board of Water Commissioners (or as the case may be, the fire commissioners or Yes. police commissioners) be abolished (or merged or consolidated, as the case may be) and the No. department be regulated, supervised and operated by direction of the Mayor and City Council (or otherwise, as the case may be)?" If at an election held as herein above provided the voters by a majority of those of the legal voters of the city who vote on the proposition, assent to the establishment, merger, consolidation or abolition as the case may be of any board, an ordinance effectuating the expressed desire of the voters shall be adopted within 60 days from the date thereof.  b. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of this section, the city council may, by ordinance, abolish any of the boards created herein. Upon the adoption of an ordinance abolishing any of the boards created herein, all of the assets and liabilities of the board shall become the assets and liabilities of the municipality. The municipality may, however, create such advisory councils for its police, fire and water functions as it may deem necessary.  L. 1963,c.149; saved from repeal 1979,c.20,s. 2.; amended by L. amended 1987,c.314,s. 3.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:109-3 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:109-3 - Referendum act; mayor and council; boards and officers; public utility plants and improvements; ordinances and finance

40:109-3. Referendum act; mayor and council; boards and officers; public utility plants and improvements; ordinances and finance  L.1899, c. 52, p. 96 (C.S. pp. 1336 to 1367, s.s. 2565 to 2653), entitled "An act relating to and providing for the government of cities of this state containing a population of less than twelve thousand inhabitants," approved March twenty-first, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine, saved from repeal, together with amendments and supplements approved on the following dates: March 13, 1900 (L.1900, c. 25, p. 42; C.S. p. 1355, s. 2623). March 23, 1900 (L.1900, c. 168, p. 410; C.S. p. 1344, s. 2583). March 20, 1901 (L.1901, c. 65, p. 136; C.S. p. 1337, s. 2573). March 22, 1901 (L.1901, c. 118, p. 259; C.S. p. 1363, s. 2645). April 8, 1902 (L.1902, c. 197, p. 632; C.S. p. 1367, s. 2654). April 28, 1905 (L.1905, c. 199, p. 363; C.S. pp. 1344, 1362, 1363, s.s. 2585, 2643 to 2645). May 2, 1911 (L.1911, c. 352, p. 735; 1924 Suppl. s.s. 38-2623 to 38-2625). March 25, 1912 (L.1912, c. 153, p. 221; 1924 Suppl. s. 38-2582a). March 31, 1913 (L.1913, c. 164, p. 269; 1924 Suppl. s.s. 38-2607a to 38-2607k). July 2, 1929 (L.1929, c. 355, p. 790). June 15, 1935 (L.1935, c. 275, p. 883). [This act, together with its amendments and supplements, applies to all cities of less than twelve thousand inhabitants, and provides for the government of those which adopt it. It provides the method of adoption in such cities and also provides for its adoption in territory which is not all under the jurisdiction of one city. The mayor holds office for two years, except in cities located in certain counties, where, by virtue of a 1929 amendment, the term is four years. (See note.) Each city governed by this act is divided into two or more wards. Where there are only two wards, three councilmen are elected from each ward, and where there are more than two wards only one councilman is elected from each ward. Certain other elective officers are provided for and all other officers are appointed by the council. The council is empowered to pass certain ordinances and fix penalties for their violation. A police court is established to try these and other matters. There is a board of assessment of taxes, a board of education to govern the school district which is coextensive and coterminous with the boundaries of the city, and a board of commissioners of assessment for improvements. The city council is empowered to purchase or condemn public utility plants, make improvements, condemn lands, and assess for benefits. All matters relating to taxation, water rents and other financial matters are provided for and regulated by this act.]
NJ Rev Stat § 40:141-1 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:141-1 - Waterworks; water for fire and other purposes

40:141-1. Waterworks; water for fire and other purposes  L.1884, c. 31, p. 44 (C.S. pp. 5476 to 5485, s.s. 191 to 204, 209, 210, 212 to 217), entitled "An act to enable incorporated towns to construct water works for the extinguishment of fires, and supplying the inhabitants thereof with pure and wholesome water," passed March fifth, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-four, together with the following amendments thereof and supplements thereto approved on the following dates, saved from repeal. March 17, 1887 (L.1887, c. 27, p. 37; C.S. p. 5480, s. 205, C.S. p. 5481, s. 206 and C.S. p. 5485, s. 218). March 17, 1887 (L.1887, c. 28, p. 40; C.S. p. 5485, s. 219). March 28, 1892 (L.1892, c. 190, p. 315; C.S. p. 5477, s. 192). February 8, 1893 (L.1893, c. 6, p. 16; C.S. pp. 5486, 5487, s.s. 220 to 227). March 14, 1893 (L.1893, c. 148, p. 264; C.S. p. 5480, s. 205). February 25, 1901 (L.1901, c. 11, p. 34; C.S. p. 5481, s. 206). April 1, 1902 (L.1902, c. 82, p. 246; C.S. p. 5482, s.s. 207, 208). May 15, 1907 (L.1907, c. 207, p. 461; C.S. p. 5483, s. 211). March 19, 1917 (L.1917, c. 71, p. 127; 1924 Suppl. s. 215-207). [This act provides a method for the establishment of a water supply system and prescribes the method of financing the same.]
NJ Rev Stat § 40:141-1(1) (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:141-1(1) - Board of Water Commissioners

40:141-1(1). Board of Water Commissioners  a. Any incorporated town in this State which has adopted the provisions of this act and its supplements prior to the effective date of this act, is hereby authorized to establish and continue a Board of Water Commissioners, empowered to construct waterworks for the extinguishment of fires and supplying the inhabitants of the town with pure and wholesome water. The governing body of such town shall appoint three commissioners to be called "water commissioners," who shall have the powers and perform the duties hereinafter mentioned; the first of said water commissioners shall hold his office until the first Monday in May succeeding his appointment, the second for one year, and the third for two years from the first Monday in May succeeding their appointment; on the first Monday in May in each year after their appointment, one water commissioner shall be appointed by such town, who shall hold his office for the term of three years; in case a vacancy should occur in the office of water commissioners, the governing body of such town shall appoint a proper person to fill the same and serve the unexpired term; no member of the governing body of such town shall be eligible to the office of water commissioner.  b. Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, the governing body of any town, which has established a board of water commissioners pursuant to this act, may, by ordinance, abolish the board and assume to itself the functions exercised by the board. Upon the adoption of an ordinance abolishing the board, all of the assets and liabilities of the board shall be transferred to the municipality.  L. 1884, c. 31, s. 1; amended 1988,c.7,s.2.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:151-41 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:151-41 - Records of creation of fire district lost or destroyed; existence recognized

40:151-41. Records of creation of fire district lost or destroyed; existence recognized  L.1930, c. 96, p. 339, entitled "An act prescribing the method of proof of the creation of a fire district where the record of such creation has been lost, destroyed or mislaid," approved April fourteenth, one thousand nine hundred and thirty, saved from repeal. [This act prescribes the method of recognizing the existence of certain fire districts created before April 14, 1930, the records of the creation of which have been lost.]
NJ Rev Stat § 40:151-48 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:151-48 - Fire districts created by legislature; assets and debts of old district distributed

40:151-48. Fire districts created by legislature; assets and debts of old district distributed  Whenever any fire district shall have been created by any act of the legislature defining the territory to be comprised in said fire district such fire district shall have and own all the property and assets used for fire purposes which at the time of its incorporation belonged to or was vested in any other fire district existing within its limits. It shall also be liable to pay its proportionate amount of property, assets or indebtedness which shall be ascertained in the manner hereinafter in sections 40:151-49 to 40:151-53 of this title provided.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:151-49 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:151-49 - Joint committee to divide property; appointment

40:151-49. Joint committee to divide property; appointment  Whenever such fire district shall have been created from another fire district as provided in section 40:151-48 of this title after the first election of fire commissioners therein a committee of three shall be appointed from and by the members of the board of fire commissioners of each of said districts, and the said committees shall meet on the first Monday succeeding the first election of fire commissioners in the said district so created from another district. The said committees together shall be termed a joint committee, but no such joint committee shall function in case either of said fire districts shall proceed to have commissioners appointed under the provisions of section 40:151-53 of this title.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:151-50 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:151-50 - Joint meeting; property and indebtedness apportioned

40:151-50. Joint meeting; property and indebtedness apportioned  Whenever a joint committee is created as provided by section 40:151-49 of this title, the governing body of the township in which such district is situated shall appoint a time and place on the first Monday succeeding the first election of fire commissioners in said new district for a meeting of the joint committee. At the appointed time and place the joint committee shall meet, and shall then and there, or as soon thereafter as may be, proceed to appraise, state an account of, allot and divide between the old and new fire districts all the moneys on hand, property, assets and liens, and all the indebtedness of said district in proportion to the taxable property and ratables within the respective limits of such districts as the same shall remain. Such apportionment shall be based upon the last abstract of ratables made for the purpose of levying taxes in each of said fire districts. Any real estate belonging to the old fire district acquired and held for public use shall be and remain the property of the fire district within whose limits it may lie after separation, and any indebtedness then existing incurred for or on account of such property, shall be and remain the indebtedness of the fire district which retains said property, and neither said property nor said indebtedness shall be included or taken into account in making the apportionment and division herein provided for.
NJ Rev Stat § 40:151-51 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 40 - Municipalities and Counties|Section 40:151-51 - Quorum; procedure; clerk appointed

40:151-51. Quorum; procedure; clerk appointed  In effecting such division a decision of the majority of those present of the committee of the newly created fire district, concurred in by a majority of those present and of the committee of the fire district the assets and debts of which are being divided, shall be final and conclusive. If any of the members of said committees shall fail to attend such meeting, those assembled may act, and a majority of the whole number of such joint committee may adjourn the meeting from time to time not exceeding one week. The joint committee shall appoint a clerk from their own number who shall keep a record of their proceedings and certify to each fire district affected the apportionment of assets and debts so made.