'I Our Hear Residents Loud And Clear': Hillsborough To Share Meeting Docs Earlier

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Documents will be released earlier ahead of Township meetings following residents' requests at a previous meeting, said Hillsborough Township Mayor Catherine Payne.

"I hear our residents loud and clear. You wanted access to the meeting documents well before 4:30 on meeting days," said Payne at the Tuesday Committee meeting.

Payne outlined the township's current process and said municipal departments are required to submit agenda items by Wednesday afternoon before a meeting.

Administrative staff then compiles the full packet and delivers it to the Township Committee on Thursday afternoon, according to Payne.

"The idea is for the committee to review these over Friday and the weekend, so staff can process any updates, changes, etc. early Monday," Payne said. "Unfortunately, that hasn't been happening, and staff often receive questions or last-minute changes from the committee members just hours before we go live."

To address that, Payne announced a new policy during the meeting.

"To fix this, I'm instituting a new policy: all township committee questions and updates must be submitted by noon on Monday," she said. "This new timeline will be strictly enforced for both committee and individual departments, with exceptions made only for emergency financial resolutions. Period."

According to Payne, the change applies to both the township committee and individual departments.

She said the only exception will be emergency financial resolutions.

"This will give our staff the time they need to publish the final packet by close of business on Monday, ensuring that you have time, as residents who come here and attend or watch online, you deserve to review the materials and prepare your comments," Payne said.

The announcement came as Payne addressed concerns she said she heard from residents about access to meeting documents ahead of township committee meetings.

To access meeting documents visit, https://buff.ly/18pvO4c.

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