December
3rd, 2025
How a Town Works: Inside Flemington's Local Government
Mayor Marcia Karrow discussing all things municipal government
Councilman Jeremy Long analyzes some art
The final Lyceum lecture was entitled: "How a Town Works: Inside Flemington’s Local Government." The lecture opened with Councilman Long reflecting on six years of service and the democratic symbolism of Washington Crossing the Delaware, the painting displayed behind the Borough dais. He used the artwork to illustrate leadership, shared purpose, and the diverse backgrounds that come together in governing—a fitting metaphor for the collaborative and often challenging work of small-town democracy.
Mayor Marcia Karrow then delivered a detailed explanation of how New Jersey’s municipalities function, drawing on more than 30 years of government experience across local, county, and state levels. Key topics included:
How Local Government Is Structured
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Differences between boroughs, townships, cities, and towns under NJ state law
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The mayor’s real powers: agenda control, breaking tie votes, and making most board/commission appointments
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Public confusion between Raritan Township and Flemington Borough, including common anecdotes about misdirected complaints and services.
Planning, Zoning, and Redevelopment
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How planning boards operate independently from the mayor and council for standard development
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The special rules of redevelopment law and why PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreements exist.
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Comparison of redevelopment projects, including Union Hotel and Liberty Village
Infrastructure and Fiscal Health
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Flemington’s critical water and sewer challenges, with pipes over 100 years old.
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How the borough secured major state Infrastructure Bank loans, many offering 50–100% forgiveness.
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The "rolling-bond" approach used to rebuild Main Street and future phases.
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The borough’s financial turnaround:
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Debt reduced from 3.9% to approximately 2.1% of allowable borrowing
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Surplus increased from $600k to over $1.9 million
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Removal from bond-rating downgrade watch
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Additional Issues Addressed
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Changes to garbage collection and rising statewide tipping fees.
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County-owned properties in town and their uncertain futures.
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The challenges and politics of shared services or potential municipal mergers.
Overall, the lecture provided a candid and nuanced look at the legal, financial, and operational realities of how a small New Jersey town actually works.
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Missed it?
Watch the lecture here:
Special Thanks: As always, to our curious and engaged audience. Thanks to the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce once again! And thanks so much to Mayor Karrow.
A HUGE thank you to all of the lecturers, fellow council members, volunteers, and well-wishers. Because without your help, none of this would have ever been possible. Thank you so very much.
