The term Freeholder, based in English common law, originally referred to all men who
owned or held property free of any debts or encumbrances.
This term is now used by New Jersey's 21 counties to describe county legislators.
Ocean County is governed by five Freeholders elected at-large for three year terms.
Each January, the Freeholders select one of their members to serve as the director of
the board for the year to preside over the meetings and activities of the board.
