Does the entire municipal budget need to be published in the newspaper?

In New Jersey, the law stipulates that municipalities are required to publish a summary of the budget rather than the entire budget document. This requirement is aimed at providing transparency while also recognizing that full budget documents can be extensive and contain detailed information that may not be necessary for the general public to read in full detail.

Publishing just a summary allows the public to review key financial figures and understand the priorities and allocations within the budget without overwhelming them with information. This practice is designed to balance the need for public accountability with the practicality of providing accessible information.

The law typically outlines specific components that must be included in the summary, such as revenue sources and major expense categories. This makes it clear that while public access to budget information is essential, it can be accomplished in a more concise manner.