Before any contract can be awarded, what document must be received from the chief financial officer?

The correct answer, certification of funds, is crucial because it serves as a formal assurance from the chief financial officer that adequate budgetary resources are available to fulfill the financial obligations of the contract being considered. This certification is essential to ensure that any expenditures made by the municipality are both legally authorized and within the constraints of the approved budget. It protects the municipality from entering into contracts that it cannot financially support, thereby ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability.

In New Jersey, public contracts cannot be awarded without this certification because it helps to prevent potential fiscal mismanagement, ensuring that public officials act within the limitations of budgetary appropriations. The chief financial officer evaluates the proposed contract against available funds and certifies that the necessary financial resources are available at the time the contract is awarded.

Other options, such as a letter of intent, approval from the mayor, or a contract proposal, do not provide this essential financial oversight and assurance. While these documents may play roles in the contract process, none of them substitute for the critical certification needed to confirm financial capacity before proceeding with an award.