Hudson County to accept $50,000 state grant for reentry coordinator; commissioners press for designation

The Hudson County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 9 listed a resolution to accept $50,000 from the New Jersey Department of Corrections to support the county’s reentry coordinator position.

County Administrator Abraham Antun said the grant "offsets the salary of the coordinator," clarifying the funds are intended to pay the coordinator role. Commissioner Albert Cifelli asked who would receive the funds; Administrator Antun and Director Frank Mazza said the position is currently vacant following the departure of the prior coordinator, Jacqueline Jenner.

Why it matters: the reentry coordinator is the county point person tasked with connecting people leaving jail to benefits and services. Commissioners expressed concern that no acting designation has been made and asked who will be responsible for the position and for oversight of the work that the grant would fund.

County officials told the board that the designation of the coordinator comes from the county Executive branch and that the role may be filled by either a civil‑service or unclassified employee, provided the person satisfies the statutory duties connected to the grant. Director Frank Mazza, who said Hudson County created a reentry program in 2008, said there is no designated coordinator "right now" and that the county is in the process of deciding who will fill the role.

Commissioner William O'Dea called for a clearer chain of responsibility when key functions are vacant, saying an acting designee should be named when staff move to new roles. The transcript does not record a formal vote tally for the resolution.

Next steps: board members asked for a designation or timeline for designation of a coordinator and for clarity on the reporting chain and budget implications for the $50,000 grant.