A major topic at the meeting was the comprehensive plan for the allocation of the opioid settlement funds. Brian Wilson and Shiron Rogers from Atlantic County Substance Abuse Services presented a detailed overview of the opioid crisis in the county. The presentation included statistics, such as over 255 overdose deaths in 2022 and more than 1,031 Narcan deployments by first responders. This data underscored the urgency of addressing the epidemic. The county has formed an opioid settlement committee, which has developed a task force to manage the settlement funds. A community survey identified critical needs such as sober living support and access to treatment, guiding the allocation of $850,000 into case management, treatment, and prevention over the next 15 to 20 years.

Angels in Motion received $340,000 for case management, while the Southern Jersey AIDS Alliance was awarded $85,000 for harm reduction efforts. Atlanticare received funds for detox and outpatient treatment services. The task force approved seven out of nine applications. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of survey participation, but it was clarified that additional funding sources support sober living and transportation needs, allowing the settlement funds to address other critical areas.

The future of the Skates Zone ice rink in Atlantic City was another issue discussed during public comments. Alan Rhoads, a community advocate, emphasized the importance of the ice rink for local families and the potential impact of its closure. Rhoads urged the Board to support the continuation of the rink’s operation and consider integrating a replacement rink into the $3.4 billion Bader Field development project. He highlighted the logistical challenges posed by the nearest alternative rink being an hour away and called for a county committee to address the issue. The discussion acknowledged the significance of ice sports and the potential for relocating the rink to another municipality within Atlantic County.

The ongoing budget process for 2025 was also addressed, with the introduction of Resolution 120 for the first reading of the county budget. A projected reduction of over 2% in the tax rate was highlighted, attributed to a consistent budgeting practice of utilizing only 50% of the county’s surplus for the next year’s budget. This approach has helped maintain the county’s double-A bond rating. Other resolutions pertaining to the Atlanta County Public Health Agency and County Library’s annual budget notices were also introduced without public comment.

Discussions on the procurement process for federally funded projects raised concerns about prioritizing local vendors in contract bidding. It was confirmed that while extra credit could be given to local vendors, federal regulations require open and fair competition. Commissioners expressed frustration over the lack of local firms in the procurement process and emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses, given the county’s economic status. Suggestions were made to explore state regulations that might allow local businesses a competitive edge.

Commissioners also discussed the financial relationship between Atlantic County and Atlantic City, particularly regarding the payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) program. The need for innovative strategies to attract tourists and ensure adequate investment in Atlantic City was emphasized. Concerns were raised about the current assessment practices for casino properties and their implications for local education funding.

Public comments further addressed issues such as the need for seniors to navigate property tax relief programs and the challenges in obtaining real IDs. A tragic situation involving a couple’s inability to secure a marriage license due to procedural constraints was also highlighted, prompting calls for legislative changes to allow exceptions in urgent situations.