Hudson County adopts 2026 budget amendments including federal HIV grants; commissioner protests Schools of Technology allocation

The Hudson County Board of County Commissioners on June 23, 2026 adopted a set of amendments to the countys 2026 budget after a public hearing and several rounds of roll-call votes.

Courtney Walker, a Jersey City resident speaking for community advocates, urged the board to approve an amendment allocating about $1.31 million for legal services to assist families navigating immigration enforcement, saying the funding "will provide tangible relief for families struggling to make rent, put food on the table, and navigate complex legal challenges." The board adopted the amendment after hearing public comment.

The meeting also included a student speaker, Cassie Gormley of High Tech High School, who urged the board to add a line item to fund field trips for Hudson County Schools of Technology students, citing bussing costs that left some classes unable to take trips this year.

During roll-call on adoption of the amended budget, Commissioner O'Dea explained he would cast a protest "no" vote solely because of the Hudson County Schools of Technology allocation, saying the board was constrained by the school board estimate and that he wanted to register opposition to what he characterized as disproportionate impacts on Jersey City. "I'm voting no on the budget for one and one only reason," he said.

Chairperson Romano and several commissioners thanked department directors, law enforcement and staff for their work on the budget and said the changes would preserve services for county residents. The clerk read revised totals for general appropriations, operations and contingency amounts as the resolution was finalized.

Separately, the board approved multiple Finance and Administration resolutions amending the 2026 budget to accept federal health grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including: a $1,462,792 HIV emergency relief formula grant; a $1,605,759 supplemental HIV emergency relief grant; a $1,450,000 Ryan White HIV/AIDS program amendment (parts A and B); and a $282,037 Minority AIDS and HIV Initiative Program grant. For the first of those votes, one commissioner announced an abstention, citing a prior "no" on the budget; otherwise the resolutions passed by roll call.

The clerk noted that the adopted budget amendment would be posted on the Hudson County website as a public notice. The board completed the agenda and adjourned the special meeting.

Votes at a glance - Adopt amended 2026 Hudson County budget (final adoption): approved by roll call; at least two commissioners recorded opposition for stated reasons related to the Hudson County Schools of Technology allocation. - Finance & Administration resolution: $1,462,792 HIV emergency relief formula grant: approved (one abstention recorded by a commissioner who had voted "no" on the budget). - Finance & Administration resolution: $1,605,759 HIV emergency relief supplemental grant: approved. - Finance & Administration resolution: $1,450,000 Ryan White (parts A & B) grant: approved. - Finance & Administration resolution: $282,037 Minority AIDS and HIV Initiative Program: approved.

The board adjourned at the end of the session. The adopted amendment and the listed grant awards will be posted as public notices on the county website for review.