The board also focused on the financial aspects of county operations, with the introduction of bond ordinances for the 2024 Capital Improvements, including a significant appropriation of $30,644,000. This funding is earmarked for facilities improvements and major infrastructural projects such as Bridge Road intersection and drainage enhancements. The necessity for these improvements was acknowledged by the commissioners, who emphasized the importance of making bond ordinance details accessible to the public.

Deliberations on capital ordinances continued, touching on various county improvements, equipment acquisitions, and technology infrastructure upgrades at Atlantic Community College. The commissioners introduced the 2024 Atlantic County budget and discussed resolutions related to the annual budget for the Atlantic County Public Health Agency and the Atlantic County Library. Additionally, they passed resolutions allowing the county entity to exceed the budget request cap and establish a cap bank for 2024.

The meeting also saw the approval of various contracts, grant applications, and service agreements. These included contracts for temporary nursing staffing, central Municipal Court security, inmate uniforms, and food provisions for county facilities. A notable debate arose concerning the security contract for the central Municipal Court, questioning whether the sheriff’s office could bid on the contract and the county’s plans to acquire property in Atlantic City to construct a parking lot.

The discussion extended to shared services agreements with the city of Atlantic City for pothole repairs and the selection of Zimit Healthcare Services Group to review the fiscal and programmatic aspects of Metaview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The commissioners commended the swift action taken to repair a sinkhole at the Galilee Library and discussed the reappointment of members to the Atlantic County Fire Training Advisory Board.

Further, the board considered the inclusion of the Bowling Cemetery in the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, acknowledging the historical significance of the site and encouraging public input on additional locations for the trail. Public safety concerns were also addressed, with a report on frustrations with the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s slow response to requests for speed limit reductions, and the traffic pattern issues at a local intersection.

Residents attending the meeting raised issues regarding a bridge replacement project, expressing concerns about the traffic plan, construction debris, and damage from construction vehicles. Acknowledging these concerns, the commissioners offered to meet with affected residents to address their issues directly. Additionally, community members voiced opposition to the construction of a warehouse in a residential neighborhood, and the meeting concluded with recognition of young athletes’ achievements and a moment of silence for a community member’s loss.