Atlantic County commissioners opened their Dec. 16 meeting with community recognitions and ceremonial resolutions before taking routine business.

The board presented certificates to the Cedar Creek High School football team in recognition of winning the NJSIAA Group 3 state championship and praised the program and community support.

The board also adopted Resolution No. 737 in remembrance of the late Commissioner Ernest D. Coursey, reciting his decades of public service in Atlantic City and Atlantic County and noting community programs he led. Family members including Leslie Coursey addressed the board; Leslie thanked commissioners and described the family’s plans to continue charitable programs begun by her husband.

Commissioner Amy Elgato, who the resolution recognizes as having served on the Board of County Commissioners since 2016 (and in local offices earlier), was honored with Resolution No. 738 on her last scheduled meeting on Dec. 16. Commissioners and community leaders praised Elgato’s leadership on projects such as Route 30 and Lake Lenape improvements. In prepared remarks Elgato reflected on 20 years in public service and said she was stepping aside to focus on her health and family after a “bittersweet” tenure.

Why it matters: Ceremonial items do not set policy but record civic recognition and transitions in county leadership. The memorial for Commissioner Coursey and the farewell for Commissioner Elgato were significant moments of public acknowledgement and provided families a formal forum for remarks.

What happened next: After the ceremonial items the board moved to routine consent business and the Meadowview items (detailed separately). The meeting concluded with reports, holiday remarks and adjournment.