Office of the Mayor
The Mayor, as the chief executive officer of the Borough, is responsible for
the enforcement of all New Jersey laws and Borough ordinances. The Mayor is
elected to a four-year term and is eligible for re-election.
The Mayor presides over all meetings of the Council but may vote only in the
event of a tie. The Mayor has veto power, which may be overridden by a
two-thirds vote of the Council.
The Mayor makes appointments to standing committees, commissions, boards,
and ad hoc committees, most of which require Council consent. The Mayor is
also an automatic member of the Planning Board, Library Board, and the
Board of Police Commissioners.
Ridgefield citizens are appointed by the Mayor to serve without compensation
on boards, commissions, and advisory committees. Boards and commissions
mandated by state law may establish policy and act independently of the
Mayor and Council, while advisory committees provide recommendations to
the Council.
Some committees are formed annually, while others are convened periodically
to address specific short-term issues or initiatives.
Borough Council
The Borough Council consists of six members. Two Council members are elected
at-large each year for three-year terms.
As the legislative body of the Borough, the Council adopts ordinances and
resolutions, approves the municipal budget and appropriations, confirms
appointments made by the Mayor, determines municipal policy, and establishes
the functions of local government departments.
Council members serve on standing committees, with three members assigned
to each committee, one of whom serves as Chairperson.
Standing Committees
- Finance and Administration
- Parks and Recreation
- Police, Fire, Office of Emergency Management, and Municipal Court
- Department of Public Works
- Buildings and Grounds
- Health and Welfare
- Library
- Communications
- Redevelopment
Council members also serve as liaisons to various boards, commissions, and
advisory committees throughout the Borough.
