Work Sessions

• 4:30 p.m. - subject to change
• Every Wednesday
• Freeholder Conference Room

Members of the the public are invited to attend the work sessions, but may actively participate only at the public meetings.

Schedule(s):

• 2019 Meeting Schedule

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval. 
Most Recent Agenda | View All Agendas and Minutes

Members 

The seven members of the Board of Freeholders are elected at-large to three-year, staggered terms. They take office early in January, following the November election.

Functions of the Board

A freeholder is a legislator on the county level. Bergen County has a unique form of government. Along with the other 20 counties in New Jersey, we have a Board of Chosen Freeholders. 

• County Executive

  • The County Executive handles the day-to-day operations of Bergen County, appointing the county department heads and overseeing the activities of all departments and divisions. The board approves all contracts signed by the executive.

• Administrative Code

  • The board sets policy under the Administrative Code authored by the freeholders. The code, adopted April 3, 1987, reorganized Bergen County's 304 year-old freeholder form of government and established the eight county departments that we use today.

• Duties of the Legislative Body

  • The Freeholders act as the county's legislative body, much as the U.S. Congress or the State Legislature, giving advice and consent to the actions of the county executive. The board provides a check on the executive's powers and acts as a formulator of policy. Its powers include the ability to: 
    • Adopt the county's administrative code
    • Pass ordinances and resolutions
    • Review, modify, and adopt operating and capital budgets
    • Contract with municipalities

• Finances

  • Study and evaluate the county's annual budget before approving it
  • Oversee the provision of funds for the nine county departments including Bergen Regional Medical Center
  • Supervise the funds for:
  • • Bergen Community College
    • Bergen County Special Services School District
    • Bergen County Technical Schools
    • Bergen County Jail and Police Department
    • County parks, roads, and bridges

Quick Links

• Bergen County Freeholders on Facebook
• Recommendations of the Passaic River Basin Flood Advisory Commission