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Commissioner O'Dea moves to explore recurring revenue for hospitals after county amends hospital resolution
Summary
Commissioner William O'Dea secured a vote to amend a hospital-related resolution on the agenda and said he will propose a follow-up measure to create a recurring revenue pilot to support hospitals; he cited a reported $20 million annual shortfall and urged options for stable local funding.
Facing concern about hospital finances in Hudson County, commissioners amended an item on the agenda on Oct. 9 and heard a public comment urging Board action to protect local hospitals.
At the meeting, Commissioner William O'Dea moved to amend Agenda Item No. 18 and told colleagues he plans to introduce a more detailed resolution at the next meeting that would explore establishing a recurring local revenue source for hospital assistance — he specifically mentioned the concept of a pilot where apartment developers or owners would pay a dedicated assessment to support local hospital operations. "By the own admission yesterday, a representative of that hospital said to me, even with this, we anticipate a $20 million a year revenue shortfall," O'Dea said.
Public comment: Manuel Rivera‑Soler, a Hoboken resident, urged the Board to act to preserve Hoboken Hospital and to make any relief transparent to the public. He asked for clearer explanations of how grants and purchasing line items on the agenda would be disbursed.
Administration response: County Administrator Abraham Antun described the agenda items: budget amendments tied to a Sheriff’s highway‑safety grant (DWI and pedestrian enforcement) and a two‑year parks landscaping contract to purchase plant materials, fertilizers and supplies. Antun said that purchasing and contract amendments are routine and described why staff request additional authority for open‑ended vendor contracts when appropriation amounts are exhausted.
What’s next: Commissioner O'Dea said he will bring a formal proposal at the next meeting with more detail, including potential revenue design and discussions with stakeholders (he mentioned discussion with union representatives). The Board did not adopt a new hospital tax at this meeting; members voted to amend Item No. 18 to allow consideration of a revised resolution.
Ending: Commissioners signaled support for further discussion; Administrator Antun and counsel will provide supporting materials ahead of the next meeting so the Board can consider a targeted, recurring revenue pilot alongside other advocacy to the State.
