An ordinance is a local law set forth by the governing body. The Township Committee is the governing body in Freehold Township. Anytime the Township Committee wishes to pass a local law or ordinance, it must be introduced at a public meeting. Once it is introduced, the township publishes the ordinance in the legal section of the local paper. The publication indicates the date and time established by the Committee for the public hearing on the ordinance. At the public hearing, the ordinance is read by title and then the floor is opened to members of the public who wish to make comments on the ordinance. After the public is finished commenting, the public hearing is closed and the members of the Township Committee vote on the ordinance. If passed, the ordinance is again published in the local paper and takes effect immediately upon publication. The only exception is bond ordinances which take effect 20 days after publication.