The Essex County Board of Commissioners held a live meeting on March 6, 2024, addressing various issues concerning county operations and community engagement. The session began with an invitation for public comments, allowing residents to voice their concerns and suggestions.

James Troisi, representing the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 106, raised significant issues regarding ongoing contract negotiations for law enforcement personnel. Troisi highlighted that members have been without a contract for over six years and expressed frustration over the county's recent actions, including the filing for binding arbitration that he claimed was retaliatory. He noted that while some officers had their shift preferences and vacation picks resolved, supervisors were still awaiting these arrangements for 2024, which he deemed unfair and unacceptable. Troisi urged the board to address these grievances and mentioned that the county's actions had been deemed unlawful by the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC), with ongoing appeals.

Following Troisi, Maggie Freeman from the Weekway Park Sports Authority Conservancy thanked Commissioner Richardson for his engagement with community members regarding park improvements. Freeman requested an additional community meeting to discuss concerns and gather more input before the project moves forward, emphasizing the importance of public involvement in the planning process.

The meeting concluded with the board acknowledging Freeman's request and committing to forward it to the administration for consideration. Overall, the discussions underscored ongoing labor disputes within law enforcement and the importance of community input in local projects. The board's next steps will involve addressing the issues raised by both Troisi and Freeman in future meetings.