Gloucester County Board faces urgent $100M funding needs for neglected utilities projects

Concerns over Gloucester County's utilities funding took center stage at the Board of Supervisors meeting on January 21, 2025, as community members urged immediate action to address long-standing financial neglect. Kenneth Hogg, a resident from Gloucester Pointe, highlighted the dire need for upwards of $100 million for capital water and sewer projects, emphasizing that $20 million is urgently required for projects to be completed within five years.

Hogg criticized the board for its historical lack of investment in the utilities department, referencing a financial assessment conducted by Raftelis Financial Consultants in 2011 that remains unaddressed. He called for transparency in discussions about utilities, suggesting that these conversations should occur in recorded work sessions to ensure public awareness and accountability.

Howard Mower, representing the York District, echoed Hogg's sentiments, questioning the board's focus on raising taxes while neglecting essential services like utilities. He pointed out that many citizens lack access to information about government plans, which could lead to further financial strain on the community. Mower also advocated for a time and motion study to identify potential cost savings within the budget.

In addition to the utilities discussion, the meeting included a request from the Gloucester County Economic Development Authority (EDA) for a $30,000 appropriation to support its Small Business Incentive Grant Program. This program has seen significant interest, awarding 27 grants totaling $57,000, which has leveraged over $2.2 million in private investment.

The board's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Gloucester County's utilities and economic development efforts, as residents call for a shift towards sustainable funding and transparency in local governance.