The Borough of Fanwood, incorporated in 1895, had its first Council Meeting on October 22, 1895. The Council consisted of six members, presided over by the elected Mayor, as it does today. Council members are elected for three year terms, at large, with the terms of two councilmen expiring at the end of each year.

The Council is the legislative body of the municipality and may pass, adopt, amend and repeal any ordinance or where permitted, any resolution, for any purpose required for the government of the municipality, and also controls and regulates the finances of the municipality. The Council may investigate any activity of the municipality, remove any officer of the municipality for cause other than those excepted by law and shall have all the executive responsibilities of the municipality not placed by general law, in the office of the Mayor.