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Board discusses Star-Ledger print end and state OPMA change while designating official newspapers
Summary
Commissioners adopted a resolution naming the Star-Ledger and Worrell Community newspapers as official outlets for public notices, and discussed a recent amendment to the Open Public Meetings Act that allows electronic publication after a print outlet ceases print distribution.
The Essex County Board of Commissioners unanimously designated publications to receive official public notices and discussed how a recent change in state law affects that designation after the Star-Ledger announced it will end its print edition.
Resolution 3 designated the Star-Ledger and Worrell Community newspapers as official outlets for county notices. During discussion Commissioner Gill asked whether the board should add other local publications after the Star-Ledger said it will cease its print edition on Feb. 1. County counsel explained the legislature passed an amendment to the Open Public Meetings Act that allows notices to be published irrespective of medium (print or electronic), and the governor signed the amendment just before the start of the year. Counsel said the change is currently effective for an interim period through March 1 while a more comprehensive amendment is expected.
Counsel clarified that the amendment removed the requirement that notices be in print in a newspaper, but did not otherwise alter the standard used to identify a qualified newspaper (that is, a publication most likely to be read by constituents in the relevant area). Commissioners expressed interest in using hyper-local and community digital outlets in addition to statewide outlets such as nj.com and asked staff to explore options for directing county advertising and notices to platforms that reach local neighborhoods.
The board then voted by roll call to adopt the newspaper designation resolution; the vote was unanimous.
Clarifying details recorded during the discussion included the Star-Ledger's announced end of a print edition on Feb. 1 and counsel's statement that the interim change to the Open Public Meetings Act will remain in effect through March 1 pending further legislative action.
The board instructed staff to monitor legal changes to public-notice requirements and to report back if further action or additional designations are needed.
