Passaic County, West Milford mark progress on satellite health-services office; labor leaders highlight local hiring

A Passaic County commissioner and West Milford Mayor Dale on Friday marked progress on a new satellite office the county says will bring public health, behavioral health and senior nutrition services closer to residents in the northern part of Passaic County.

County officials said the office aims to reduce travel for seniors and families and expand access by consolidating services locally. "Bringing public health, behavioral health, nutrition programs under one roof, we're making sure that people have access to the services that they desperately need right here in their own communities," said a Passaic County commissioner.

Why it matters: Officials framed the project as an equity and access initiative, saying shared-service agreements between Passaic County and six municipalities will help keep costs down while extending services to rural and smaller communities. "This satellite office is more than a building. It's a promise," Mayor Dale said, thanking county leaders and local partners for the investment.

Labor and jobs: Brian Jackson, president of the Passaic County Building and Construction Trades Council, praised project labor agreements (PLAs) tied to the project, saying they help ensure local residents can work on the facility rather than travel to other counties. "PLAs are great because it ensures that our local residents here in West Milford have an opportunity not to travel to different counties to work," Jackson said, adding that union trades and apprenticeships will be involved in construction.

Officials repeatedly tied the facility to workforce development, saying the construction phase will support good-paying local jobs and apprenticeship opportunities. County leaders also acknowledged municipal partners, the county engineer, county administrator and staff who they said are helping keep the project on schedule and standards.

Next steps and details not provided: Speakers emphasized long-term benefits and local access but did not provide a construction completion date, budget figures or an exact opening timeline during the remarks. Officials said the facility will be a hub for care and connection when completed and that ongoing services will continue beyond the ribbon-cutting.

Officials thanked municipal partners, labor leaders and residents for their roles in advancing the project and said they look forward to continuing work that "builds not just a facility, but a healthier, stronger, and more connected Passaic County."