When is the initial temporary budget used for municipalities in New Jersey?

The initial temporary budget is used for municipalities in New Jersey from January 1 to January 15. This short period allows municipalities to continue their operations early in the new fiscal year while they finalize and adopt their complete annual budget. It is a necessary mechanism to ensure that local government services can continue without interruption, as the formal budget process may not be completed by the start of the new year. During this time, municipalities can appropriate limited funds to cover essential expenses, such as payroll and utilities, until the full budget is approved. This practice helps maintain municipal operations and provides a smoother transition into the complete fiscal year budget process, which typically concludes later in January or early February.