Union County History

From the 15th to 17th Centuries, the Dutch and English were drawn to this area -- then occupied by the Lenni Lenapi Indians (or Delaware tribe, as the Europeans called them) -- because of its incredibly easy access by sea. They developed the first colonial settlements in the area because of its natural beauty, vast abundance of fertile fields and natural resources, and offer of personal freedom. The development of the area was greatly helped by the criss-cross network of Indian trails, which became colonial roads and, centuries later, major highways.

In the historic Elizabethtown Purchase of 1664 -- the Lenni Lanapi gave a group of English settlers title to an immense tract of land that extended from the Raritan to the Passaic Rivers, and westward for over thirty miles. (It is interesting to note that the Indians believed they were selling the rights to use the land for hunting, fishing, farming and such. The English concept of "owning" land was unknown to them at that time.) The purchase led to the first permanent English settlement in New Jersey. Elizabethtown was laid out along the Elizabeth River near the present Union County Courthouse. As the port of entry and first seat of New Jersey government, Elizabeth became a prominent and thriving economic center, and the leading settlement in the state. (It should also be noted that Warinanco and Matteo were two Indians whose names were later given to two County parks.)

In 1683, the General Assembly, meeting in Elizabethtown, divided East New Jersey into four counties: Bergen, Essex, Middlesex and Monmouth. What we know as Union County was originally a part of Essex County.

With the growth in population and continuous division and sale of land parcels, Elizabethtown's boundary lines continued to expand and divide. State legislature created the towns of Springfield (1793), Westfield (1794), Rahway (1804), Union (1808) and New Providence (1809).

The creation of Plainfield in 1847 fueled the movement to secede from Essex County, to create a new county better equipped to meet the needs of the southernmost towns. The animosities between Elizabethtown and Newark heightened in 1807 when Newark replaced Elizabethtown as Essex County's seat of justice, and gradually overcame Elizabethtown in economic importance. It accelerated when Elizabeth incorporated in 1855.

Union County Is Created

Union County was officially formed by state legislature on March 19th, 1857, (becoming effective on April 13, 1857). It was the last of New Jersey's counties to be created. Union County -- one of 17 counties in the nation to bear that name -- is the oldest of the group. While it is the second smallest of New Jersey's 21 counties (larger only than Hudson County), its half-million residents also make it the most densely populated. Again named as the County seat, Elizabethtown regained its historic economic prominence that was lost in the shadow of Newark.

Although no one is certain why the name "Union County" was chosen, some historians credit it to the growing Pre-Civil War concern to protect the federal union. Others believed it more reflected the local predilection for independence and unity, for which the southern Essex County towns had long struggled. Whatever the reason, Union County residents at that time are often portrayed as being strongly united as they moved forward together to create an equitable and forward-looking County government.

As the seven original municipalities developed an industrial base and transportation infrastructure, they were broken apart and joined to create new townships, resulting in the Union County municipalities as we know them today. Linden was created in 1861 from parts of Elizabeth, Rahway and Union, with Clark following in 1864, set off from Rahway. Summit followed in 1869, Cranford in 1871, Roselle in 1894, Mountainside and Fanwood in 1895, Berkeley Heights in 1899, Roselle Park in 1901, Garwood in 1903, Kenilworth in 1907, Hillside in 1913, and Scotch Plains in 1917. Winfield Township was the last of Union County's 21 municipalities, joining the ranks in 1941. By 1930, the county's population was 200,000, having nearly doubled its population from the turn of the century.

The Board of Chosen Freeholders

New Jersey is the only state in which an elected Board of Chosen Freeholders governs a county. The colonial term "freeholder" is based upon the English concept of "freemen." A "freeman" -- by definition, one who owned property, was neither a servant nor hired laborer, and pledged allegiance to the King -- was given the right to vote. Over time, individual landowners who were chosen to represent the citizenry in administering government became known as "Chosen Freeholders." While the existing laws which govern voter eligibility no longer include "property owner," the process by which Freeholders are chosen to represent the County's citizens still embraces the spirit of freedom and democracy passed down from our colonial days.

Until the early 1900's, two Freeholders were elected from each municipality to serve on a County board. With the addition of 13 more municipalities by 1922, the Board had grown to an unmanageable 25 members, including one director. A 1933 referendum adopted The Small Board Option Law of 1912, which gave counties the option to elect three to nine Freeholders from the county at large, based on population, rather than full municipal representation. Union County's population at that time dictated that nine freeholders be chosen.

The Board's nine members each serve for a three year term, with three Freeholders seats voted on each year. At the January 1st reorganization meeting, a chairman and vice chairman are chosen from among the nine members.

All authority granted the County is exercised through the Board of Chosen Freeholders, except where the law positively provides other boards and commissions with certain enumerated powers and duties. The Board of Chosen Freeholders serves a dual role: as an area-wide agency of state government empowered to administer state functions within the County, and to represent County citizens to provide area-wide services for their use and benefit.

The goal of the Board of Chosen Freeholders has always been to govern the County for the benefit of all, without regard to the municipal derivation or political composition of the Board itself.

Union County Adopts A County Manager Plan

Union County's government is subordinate to New Jersey's state government. It does not have its own constitutional nor sovereign powers, and can exercise only those powers granted to it by enactment of the New Jersey State Legislature. New Jersey laws specifically govern the actions of elected and appointed officials who comprise Union County government.

The significant growth that followed World War II -- particularly in business, industry, housing, and education -- led a growing number of concerned citizens to perceive that the County Government framework was outdated and that the Freeholder committee system could no longer provide effective legislative and administrative management for the County. In September 1972, the State of New Jersey initiated and adopted the Optional County Charter Law, which set forth four alternative plans of County Government and outlined procedures to change a county's charter.

In November, 1974, Union County voters decided to select one of four alternative plans of County Government as allowed by the State of New Jersey's 1972 Optional County Charter Law. Union County is the only county in the state that operates under the County Manager form of government, which divided the government into two branches: A legislative branch, consisting of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and an executive branch, headed by an appointed County Manager.

Today, County Government is organized around the elected Board of Chosen Freeholders, an appointed County Manager, other elected and appointed administrative officials, and the employees of the County. The Union County Administrative Code sets forth the local law, ordinances, resolutions and policies which govern their actions.

As the County's elected legislative body, the Board of Chosen Freeholders set policy and oversees all matters pertaining to the management of the County.

As the appointed administrator, the County Manager is responsible for carrying out that policy, and overseeing the management of day-to-day operations. The County Manager, who is appointed, reports directly to the Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The County Manager

The County Manager, appointed by the Board of Chosen Freeholders to serve a three-year term, is responsible for administering the policies set by the Board, and for overseeing the day-to-day operations of County Government.

County Government is broken down into six major departments: Administrative Services, Finance, Human Services, Operational Services, Public Safety, and Runnells Specialized Hospital in Berkeley Heights, which predominantly serves long-term health care needs. County Government also supports the Constitutional Offices of County Prosecutor, County Clerk, County Sheriff, and County Surrogate, and some aspects of the Judiciary/Court System (which is primarily operated by the state).

The County Budget

New Jersey statutes require Union County to prepare a balanced budget, wherein appropriations equal revenue. A temporary budget is traditionally passed at the Reorganization Meeting on January 1st, which follows the formal administration of oaths to newly-elected Freeholders. This temporary budget allows the County to continue to operate through the budgetary process, until the final budget is adopted. Statutes also dictate the budgetary process, which begins with the County Manager making budgetary recommendations to the Board of Chosen Freeholders in January each year. Following departmental budgetary hearings which are advertised and open to the public, the Board must adopt a final budget.

The current budget is approximately $271.4 million. Revenue is generated through state and federal grants for County services and programs, and through property taxes paid by municipalities.

The Board of Chosen Freeholders determine how approximately 20% of the current estimated $271.4 million budget will be allocated, as federal and state governments dictate how approximately 80% will be spent. These state- and federally-mandated services include such operations as Constitutional Offices, youth services, the Jail, and support of the Court system.

The County's resolve to provide a more efficient and economical government has paid dividends. In the past four years, Union County has reduced its proportional reliance on taxes. The approved 1996 budget reflects a flat tax levy. This is the first time in at least the past eighteen years there has been no increase in the tax levy, except for a tax reduction in 1991, which was accomplished through the state's increased absorption of welfare and institution costs.

The Board of Chosen Freeholders and County Administration remain committed to providing residents with necessary and meaningful services while continually improving the County's efficiency and effectiveness in delivering them.