The Essex County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 15, 2024, focused on several significant budget items and grants aimed at enhancing community services and safety.

One of the key discussions involved a budget insertion of $600,000 from the Zoological Society of New Jersey for the Turtle Bank, which will support operations at the Turtleback Zoo through quarterly payments of $150,000, requiring no county match.

Another important item was a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Department of Public Works. This funding will analyze five years of crash data to identify high-crash locations and propose necessary improvements. This grant requires a $100,000 in-kind match from the county.

The meeting also addressed a $400,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety for body-worn cameras for sheriff's officers. This funding will ensure that all officers are outfitted with cameras, bringing the department into full compliance. A county match of $400,000 is also required for this initiative.

Additionally, the board discussed an $807,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development aimed at innovative employment and retention strategies for clients. This funding does not require a county match.

The meeting highlighted a significant increase in funding for senior services, with a $5,375,396 grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services, which includes a county match of $154,448. Other notable items included $8,626 for a senior farmers market nutrition program and $150,000 from the Federal Transit Administration for transportation services for seniors.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to improving public safety, supporting local wildlife, and enhancing services for seniors and vulnerable populations. The board is expected to continue discussions on these initiatives in future meetings.