Perspective/ Atlantic County Clerk

This month I want to talk a bit about Atlantic County Government. Atlantic County was carved from Gloucester County in February of 1837. It should be noted that the boundaries have stayed substantially the same to date. Atlantic County is bounded on the north by the Mullica River; on the south by the Great Egg Harbor Bay and the Tuckahoe River; on the west by Camden and Gloucester Counties and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean. Mays Landing was chosen as the county seat in 1837 and a courthouse was built there in 1838. That courthouse is now a complex with the County Surrogate and County Clerk, and still remains as the center piece of Mays Landing.

Mays Landing was chosen because it was the “center” of the county. It should be noted that Atlantic County is the third largest county area wise. Hamilton Twp. is the largest municipality area wise with the county seat of Mays Landing being carved into the center.

The first Board of Freeholders (now known as County Commissioners) was established in Mays Landing in 1837, with representatives from four townships, Galloway, Egg Harbor, Hamilton and Weymouth. As more townships and municipalities came into being, the Board of Freeholders grew to its largest membership with 35 members in 1966. In 1967, the State Legislature reduced the large board to a seven person at large County Board. It remained that size until 1975, when the new County Charter went into effect.

In 1974, the Atlantic County voters passed a public referendum to change to the county governmental form under the Optional County Charter Law to the executive form. It should be noted that there are only five counties in New Jersey that operate under this form of government. This form of government provides for a popularly elected executive responsible for the administration of county government. This form of government also provides for a nine Member Commissioner Board, responsible for legislation. The executive is elected for a term of four years: the Commissioners are elected to a staggered three-year term. There are four at large Commissioners elected by the entire county and five district Commissioners. The districts Commissioners represent equally populated districts.

The original Atlantic County Administrative Code was adopted in May of 1976. That Code created eight County Departments. Those departments have the responsibility of running County government. Over the years since 1976 the Code has been modified only a few times.

In a future letter I will spell out the birth of each of our 23 municipalities.

Lastly, I want to wish everyone an enjoyable remainder of the summer. As always if you have any questions please feel free to contact our office.

Joseph J. Giralo

Atlantic County Clerk

Mays Landing, N.J.