N.J. Stat. Ann. § 40:55D-24

15. Organization of planning board. The planning board shall elect a chairman and vice chairman from the members of Class IV, select a secretary who may or may not be a member or alternate member of the planning board or a municipal employee, and create and fill such other offices as established by ordinance. An alternate member shall not serve as chairman or vice chairman of the planning board. It may employ, or contract for, and fix the compensation of legal counsel, other than the municipal attorney, and experts, and other staff and services as it may deem necessary, not exceeding, exclusive of gifts or grants, the amount appropriated by the governing body for its use. The governing body shall make provision in its budget and appropriate funds for the expenses of the planning board.