New Jersey Statutes Title 40. Municipalities and Counties 40 § 37-2

Of the commissioners first appointed, if the commission is to consist of five members, one shall serve for one year, one for two years, one for three years, one for four years, and one for five years, and thereafter one commissioner shall be appointed annually for five years. If the commission is to consist of less than five members the appointments shall be so arranged as to have the term of one commissioner expire each year. Vacancies shall be filled by the board of chosen freeholders by appointment for the unexpired term only.

If the resolution provides for the appointment of two alternate members, they shall be designated at the time of appointment as “Alternate No. 1” and “Alternate No. 2” and shall serve during the absence or disqualification of any regular member or members. Of the alternate members first appointed, “Alternate No. 2” shall serve for one year and “Alternate No. 1” shall serve for two years. Thereafter alternate members shall be appointed for the same term of office as are commissioners. Vacancies shall be filled by the board of chosen freeholders by appointment for the unexpired term only. An alternate member may participate in discussions of the proceedings but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member. A vote shall not be delayed in order that a regular member may vote instead of an alternate member.