Public presses county over prosecutor's petty cash transfer and audit transparency

During public comment the board heard questions about a resolution transferring the custodianship of a petty cash fund at the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office from former prosecutor Esther Suarez to acting prosecutor Wayne Mello.

A public attendee asked how much the petty cash fund holds and what it is used for. Director Fuller, identified at the microphone as the county CFO, said petty cash is intended for small items (generally $25 or less) and is paid from the county budget, documented and audited annually. Fuller said the prosecutor's office maintains two petty cash accounts—a business account and a confidential account—reported by administration as $3,000 each.

Speakers asked for more transparent reporting. One attendee requested when petty cash is audited and who audits the auditors; Fuller replied that petty cash funds are turned over annually and audited by the county's independent auditors, who are subject to peer review. Commenters pressed for access to itemized usages and for assurance that petty cash is not being misused for unrelated expenditures.

The board did not take further action on personnel or discipline matters tied to the prosecutor's office during the meeting. Separately, public commenters raised allegations about internal investigations within law enforcement; commissioners and counsel cautioned that personnel matters may be inappropriate for open session and did not adjudicate those claims in the public meeting.

The board directed staff to provide clarifying information where appropriate and to follow up on transparency questions raised during public comment.