N.J. Stat. § 40:81-5
Except as otherwise provided by referendum of the voters, on the second Tuesday of May of the fourth year following such first election and on the second Tuesday of May of every fourth year thereafter, there shall be elected the number of electors hereinbefore prescribed of like qualifications to serve as members of the municipal council for the term of 4 years and until their successors shall have been elected and duly qualified or unless their places become vacant. The term of office of councilmen subsequently elected shall commence on July 1 next ensuing their election at 12 o'clock noon. Elections shall be conducted pursuant to the "Uniform Nonpartisan Elections Law," P.L. 1981, c.379 (C.40:45-5 et al.).
If the election is held on the day of the general election in November pursuant to subsection a. of section 1 of P.L. 2009, c. 196(C.40:45-7.1), the term of office of councilmen elected shall commence at 12 o'clock noon on January 1 next following their election.
N.J.S. § 40:81-5