In 1973, Berlin Township changed its form of government from the Township Form to a Faulkner Act form, Small Municipality. Its structure includes four Council members and a Mayor all elected at large for three year terms. The candidates run in political parties at regular primary and general election time. Independent candidates, having declared their intentions at primary time, run only in the general election.

Mayor:

This type of government is a “strong mayor” form in which the Mayor, as chief executive, is responsible for all administrative functions. The Mayor presides at Council meetings, voting and participating as a member of Council. The Mayor appoints, with Council’s approval, the following: Tax Assessor, Tax Collector, Clerk, Treasurer, Zoning Officer, Construction Official, Court Administrator, Attorney and Engineer. The Mayor is responsible for the budget; enforcing the charter (State law) and all ordinances (local laws), and the preparation of an annual report for the Council and residents.

Council:

The Council has legislative and policy-making power. It elects a Council President annually to preside in the Mayor’s absence. The Mayor appoints Council members to serve as liaisons to the Recreation Committee, Finance Committee, Athletic Association, Public Works, Special Events, School Board, Public Safety and Senior Citizens. The Mayor and one council member are members of the Planning and Zoning Board.

Township Personnel:

The Township Clerk is the liaison between the public and the governing body. The Clerk, who is appointed by the Mayor, receives tenure after five years. This job encompasses the following: to receive all communications addressed to the Mayor and Council; to attend and keep minutes of all Council meetings and to advertise those meetings and hearings; to register new voters; to receive nominating petitions and act as election official; to act as purchasing agent and to keep personnel records.