Cumberland County held an organizational meeting where newly elected commissioners were certified and sworn into office and the board elected its 2026 leadership.

Governor‑elect Mikey Sherrill attended and administered parts of the oath before new commissioners repeated pledges to uphold the U.S. and New Jersey constitutions. County Clerk Celeste Riley read certificates of election certifying John P. Capizola Jr. and Yolanda Garcia Balicki as duly elected following the November 2025 vote. "I'm going to be working for everyone," Capizola said after taking the oath, adding that "it's not about the letter behind our name."

The board moved to organize for the year by taking nominations for director and deputy director. Commissioner Sandra (Sandy) Taylor was nominated and, after a roll call, was sworn in as director. Taylor said she would "serve the county to the best of my ability," and thanked supporters and colleagues for the opportunity. The board also completed nominations and the oath for the deputy director role and the newly chosen deputy addressed the room, noting previous service and pledging to continue that work.

During organizational business, the clerk read a set of resolutions listed on the consent agenda, including a resolution adopting Robert's Rules of Order and a resolution to adopt a temporary 2026 county budget. One or more resolutions were pulled from the consent agenda for additional discussion about committee assignments and to allow newly seated commissioners time to review duties and staffing. County staff explained the county's practice of paying bills on a weekly basis and then presenting a bill list for ratification at meetings, citing that practice as a way to comply with the state's Prompt Payment Act while maintaining timely payments to vendors.

Clerk Celeste Riley congratulated the incoming board and said she looked forward to working with commissioners and county staff. Director Taylor closed by thanking staff and commissioners and saying she was confident the board could work together moving forward.

What happens next: the board left several consent items for follow‑up discussion; commissioners said they intend to clarify committee assignments and meet with staff to review budgets and contracts in the weeks ahead.