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Commission delays Ambrose review, approves independent audit of jail medical services after staff criticism
Summary
The Essex County commissioners postponed an extension of Ambrose Group operational review to August pending delivery of the consultant’s final report and approved a separate $49,880 contract to audit medical services at the county correctional facility after concerns from corrections staff and retirees.
Essex County commissioners voted on two corrections-related items after extended debate and public comment about oversight and staffing at the county jail.
At the meeting in Belleville, the board voted to adjourn (postpone) action on item 94 — a proposed 12-month extension of the Ambrose Group’s operational review contract — to the August meeting. Deputy Director Gina Marrow told commissioners the Ambrose Group’s second-part report was due to the county on the coming Friday and that the department still needed Ambrose’s input to move on several outstanding items. Several commissioners and members of the public argued the board should receive and review that report before approving an extension. The motion to adjourn item 94 until August carried on roll call.
Separately, the board approved item 95, a contract award to the Nakamoto Group to perform an independent audit of medical practices at the Essex County Correctional Facility for a 12‑month term not to exceed $49,880. Commissioners described item 95 as a measure to establish an independent medical baseline and confirm that contracted medical services are meeting the county’s obligations. Vice President Cooper and others said an immediate independent review of medical services was warranted and would help identify any gaps.
Public commenters tied into the debate. James Stroisi (introduced in public comment as vice president of FOP Lodge 106) and other union representatives criticized the county for repeatedly hiring outside vendors while they said internal county monitors remain in place and raised concerns about long-standing vacancies (including the facility warden) and the pace of corrective action. Retired corrections staff also urged quicker resolution of pending contract- and pension-related calculations affecting retirees.
The board directed county staff to circulate Ambrose’s final report to all commissioners and to include specified members of the board’s oversight committee when the report is distributed. Commissioners requested that Ambrose representatives and departmental leadership be prepared to appear and answer questions at the next meeting.
