Atlantic County holds 2025 reorganization; commissioners sworn, leadership and administrative appointments approved

At its 2025 reorganization meeting, the Atlantic County Board of County Commissioners swore in newly elected and re-elected commissioners and approved a slate of reorganization appointments and routine resolutions, including a temporary budget and a certification of compliance with federal equal-employment guidance.

The board administered oaths to Commissioner James Bertino, Commissioner Maureen Kern and Commissioner-elect Michael Rufe. The meeting opened with an invocation by Reverend Lou Strigolo of Church by the Bay in Galloway.

Why it matters: The annual reorganization sets board leadership and county representation for 2025, authorizes administrative appointments and short-term fiscal measures that allow county operations to continue while the full budget is developed.

The board approved a series of resolutions by roll call, including election of the board chair and vice chair for 2025, appointments of county representatives to the New Jersey Association of Counties, annual appointments to advisory boards and authorities, a 2025 temporary budget, a repositories and cash-management plan, establishment of petty cash funds for departments, and a resolution adopting the governing bodycertification of compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. All listed resolutions were approved by unanimous roll call vote.

Commissioners and other elected officials in attendance offered brief remarks thanking staff and emphasizing the board9s commitment to maintaining county services, infrastructure and economic development. County Executive Denny Levinson and several state legislators attended and were recognized.

During public comment, attendees announced funeral arrangements for former Commissioner John Carmen. The family requested donations to American Legion Riders Post 352 in Somers Point in lieu of flowers; visitation was announced for 9 a.m. with a 1 p.m. service at Fresh Start Church on Ocean Heights Avenue.

The board adjourned after completing the reorganization agenda.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution No. 1: Nomination and election of chairperson for 2025 — approved (unanimous roll call). - Resolution No. 2: Nomination and election of vice chairperson for 2025 — approved (unanimous roll call). - Resolution No. 3: Schedule/format for the 2025 regular meetings — approved (unanimous roll call). - Resolution No. 4: Appointment of John Risley as county representative to the New Jersey Association of Counties — approved (unanimous roll call). - Resolution No. 5: Appointment of Maureen Kern as alternate NJAC representative — approved (unanimous roll call). - Resolution No. 6: Appointment of Richard Days as [county representative] — approved (unanimous roll call). - Resolution No. 7: Appointments to Atlantic County advisory boards, commissions and councils pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:41A-37 — approved (unanimous roll call). - Resolution No. 8: Annual reorganization appointments to authorities, boards and committees — approved (unanimous roll call). - Resolution No. 9: 2025 temporary budget — approved (unanimous roll call). Commissioners discussed that the county budget will be tight and additional information from administration and the treasury will be forthcoming. - Resolution No. 10: Repositories and cash-management plan for 2025 — approved (unanimous roll call). - Resolution No. 11: Establishing petty cash/steady cash funds for county departments for 2025 — approved (unanimous roll call). - Resolution No. 12: Governing body certification of compliance with EEOC enforcement guidance on consideration of arrest and conviction records under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — approved (unanimous roll call).

The meeting concluded with a benediction and adjournment.