Council extends acting municipal clerk—05/31/2026 after months of debate over DCA approval

Paterson City Council members voted 7-2 late Tuesday to reappoint Jacqueline Murray as acting municipal clerk and to amend the resolution on the floor to extend her appointment through May 31, 2026.

The council's action began as a routine reappointment under a resolution that cited state statute governing temporary appointments for municipal clerks. During more than two hours of debate, several council members asked whether the Division of Local Government Services in the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) must approve any extension beyond the dates already authorized. Corporation Counsel told the council that state law requires DCA approval for appointments past the one-year temporary term and for more than two subsequent one-year extensions.

Councilwoman Lisa Mims moved an amendment to extend Murray's appointment to May 31, 2026 so the clerk's office would have staffing continuity through the 2026 election cycle; the amendment received a second and passed by roll call. Corporation Counsel read the relevant statutory text on the record, saying the authority is set by NJSA 40A:9-133 (as cited in discussion) and that DCA consent would still be required if the council later sought a further extension.

Supporters said the extension recognizes Murray's service while she works toward certification and gives time to avoid a short-handed clerk's office during elections. Council members also flagged operational concerns: limited clerk-office staffing, the workload inbound to the council desk, and the difficulty of onboarding a new municipal clerk quickly before an election.

Opponents said the council should first secure DCAwritten permission before extending the appointment and expressed concern about following the state statute strictly. Two members voted against the amended extension, stating their objection was based on following statutory requirements and process rather than on the clerk personally.

After the roll call on the amended resolution the clerk recorded a final vote of 7 in favor and 2 opposed and declared the resolution adopted as amended.

Votes at a glance: The amendment to extend Jacqueline Murray—passed 7-2; the final, amended reappointment passed 7-2. The resolution text on the agenda covered a term from 12/01/2024through 11/30/2025; the council approved an amendment extending the effective date to 05/31/2026.

The council asked that the administration and corporation counsel follow up with DCA in writing and, where appropriate, seek written DCA consent for any extension beyond the statutory limits. Several council members said they will pursue discussions with the governor—and DCA representatives if required.

The council adopted the amended resolution before moving on with the rest of the evening's business.

Ending: The council's action keeps the acting municipal clerk in place through May 2026 while preserving the record that further extensions would require DCA review. Council members directed staff and counsel to provide documentation of the statutory limits and any written DCA guidance to the full council.