County and community groups credited for SNAP response and snow operations; commissioners announce Black History Month event

A representative from a local food‑security nonprofit read a letter at the Jan. 27 Passaic County commissioners meeting thanking the county for its "swift and decisive action" during a federal SNAP benefits shutdown that affected county residents. The letter, read by Andrew Romala on behalf of Jessica Padilla Gonzalez, said the county’s willingness to share staff and support community organizations allowed partners to scale services rapidly for people facing food insecurity.

The county director and administrator publicly thanked the nonprofit and praised county staff for snow‑response work following recent storms. The director singled out road crews, parks and recreation staff, buildings and grounds teams, the sheriff’s office for providing equipment, the OEM coordinator and Preakness Healthcare Center staff for continuing operations despite staffing challenges.

Commissioners echoed those thanks, noting long hours worked by responders and public‑works crews. Commissioner Bartlett reminded residents of upcoming election dates and early voting; Commissioner DeVore invited the public to the county’s Black History Month celebration on Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the commissioners’ chambers and listed honorees to be recognized at the event.

Quotes from the meeting included the community letter reading that "your willingness to act quickly and thoughtfully was truly inspiring," attributed in the transcript to Jessica Padilla Gonzalez as read by Andrew Romala, and a county official’s remark that "it was a real team effort, and, I'm proud of the county's response."