Donovan v. Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders

The opinion of the court was delivered by

CARROLL, J.S.C.

(temporarily assigned).

These consolidated appeals involve the statutory roles of the County Executive and the County Board of Chosen Freeholders (Board or Freeholders) under the county executive form of government. Specifically, we review (1) whether the County Executive, or the Board of Freeholders, has the authority to hire the county’s auditor, and (2) whether the County Executive may appoint a designee to participate in Board meetings on his/her behalf.

The facts are undisputed and are more fully set forth in the trial court’s…