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LEGAL NOTICE TOWNSHIP OF LAWRENCE COUNTY OF MERCER, STATE OF NEW JERSEY NOTICE OF PENDING ORDINANCE The Ordinance published herewith was introduced and passed upon first reading at a Regular Meeting of the governing body of Lawrence Township in the County of Mercer, State of New Jersey, held on March 17, 2026. It will be further considered for final passage, after public hearing thereon, at a meeting of the governing body to be held at the Lawrence Township Municipal Building, 2207 Lawrence Road, on April 7, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Additionally, during the week and up to the date of such meeting, copies of said Ordinance will be available at the Clerk’s Office to the members of the general public who request the same between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. during regular business days. Tonya D. Carter, Municipal Clerk Ordinance No. 2507-26 CALENDAR YEAR 2026 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF LAWRENCE, COUNTY OF MERCER (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14) WHEREAS, the Local Government Cap Law, N.J.S. 40A: 4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual budget, a municipality shall limit any increase in said budget up to 2.0% unless authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.15a provides that a municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5% percentage rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the next two succeeding years; and WHEREAS, the Township Council of the Township of Lawrence, County of Mercer, State of New Jersey finds it advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2026 budget by up to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the interest of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; and WHEREAS, the Township Council of the Township of Lawrence hereby determines that a 3.5% increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $421,990.02 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap Law, is advisable and necessary; and WHEREAS, the Township Council of the Township of Lawrence hereby determines that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Council of the Township of Lawrence, County of Mercer, State of New Jersey, a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the CY 2026 budget year, the final appropriations of the Township of Lawrence shall, in accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14, be increased by 3.5%, amounting to $421,990.02, and that the CY 2026 municipal budget for the Township of Lawrence be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance as introduced be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services within 5 days of introduction; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance upon adoption, with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed with said Director within 5 days after such adoption. Introduced: March 17, 2026 Prt fee:$64.75 Mar 20 -1a