Can our municipality appropriate additional funds to our Local Board of Health to address this epidemic?

A municipality, when deemed necessary by its local board of health, may appropriate to the local board additional funds needed to address an epidemic. If the funds are not available, a municipality may borrow the needed money. The statutory authority for this is laid out in N.J.S.A. 26:3-44 provides that:

Whenever an epidemic of any contagious or infectious disease exists or is threatened, or any special need arises for the protection of the public health, and in the judgment of the local board of health of any municipality the expenditure of a greater sum than that already appropriated to the local board for the current year is necessary, the local board shall so certify to the body having control of the finances of the municipality. Thereupon the body having control of the finances of such municipality may appropriate such sum as the local board may certify to be necessary. If the funds at the disposal of the governing body of the municipality are not sufficient for such purpose, it may borrow the sum on the credit of the municipality. In such event the governing body shall place an amount equal to the sum borrowed with interest in the next annual tax levy, and with the money so raised shall pay the debt incurred.

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1. Who is responsible for managing public health emergencies in municipalities?
2. What tools are available to respond to a public health emergency?
3. How do I get questions answered about coronavirus?
4. Can our municipality appropriate additional funds to our Local Board of Health to address this epidemic?
5. Has any guidance been issued on continuing to comply with OPRA requests?
6. When is the new date for primary election day?
7. What are the deadlines for school districts with elections postponed until May?
8. Where can I find the latest information on the CARES Act?
9. Can local governments restrict short-term stays to prevent the spread?
10. How can we continue operating when we are experiencing staffing shortages?
11. Can we proceed with fire code enforcement during the pandemic?
12. Has any guidance been given on hosting public meetings?
13. Where can I find information on the budget deadline extension, levy cap exemptions and estimated tax bills?
14. Where can I find COVID-19 related resources from the League?