Atlantic County Board Urges Governor to Restore Community College Funding Amid Budget Cuts
- Meeting Overview:
The Atlantic County Board of Commissioners’ recent meeting was marked by a resolution urging New Jersey Governor to reinstate funding priorities for community colleges in the state’s fiscal year 2026 budget. The resolution, which was brought forward in response to potential budget cuts that could severely impact local institutions like Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC), highlights concerns over declining enrollment and the need for continued financial support to sustain educational programs.
The meeting saw a discussion on resolution 354, which emphasized the critical role community colleges play in providing accessible education and training opportunities. The resolution was crafted with input from various stakeholders, including ACCC and union leaders, reflecting widespread concern over the potential impact of decreased funding. The resolution pointed out the challenges posed by declining enrollment rates, arguing that reduced financial support could hinder efforts to revitalize programs and attract more students.
In addition to the focus on community college funding, the board approved several other resolutions related to transportation and public services. A grant application for $350,000 from the New Jersey Department of Transportation was approved to support the English Creek Tilton Road Community Shuttle. Furthermore, a $450,000 grant from New Jersey Transit for the Job Access Reverse Commute program was also accepted, aimed at improving transportation options for workers.
The board also discussed resolution 330, which involves a $350,000 contract for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act in-school youth program. This initiative, equally distributed between the Atlantic County Special Services District and the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, aims to provide essential skills and opportunities for young people in the area.
On a different note, the board briefly acknowledged written communications from the Pinelands Commission regarding changes to the comprehensive management plan. It was suggested that these changes be reviewed by the finance committee to assess their potential impact on county constituents, particularly the agricultural sector.
During the meeting, a commissioner reported attending a conference held by the Local Assessors Association of New Jersey, where discussions centered around the effectiveness of the Gloucester County tax plan. The board previously expressed opposition to this plan, citing concerns over its bureaucratic nature and potential financial burden on Atlantic County.
Dennis Levinson
County Council Officials:
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Meeting Type:
County Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/17/2025
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Recording Published:
06/18/2025
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Duration:
24 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Atlantic County
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Towns:
Absecon, Atlantic City, Brigantine, Buena, Buena Vista, Corbin City, Egg Harbor City, Egg Harbor Township, Estell Manor, Folsom, Galloway, Hamilton (Atlantic County), Hammonton, Linwood, Longport, Margate City, Mullica, Northfield, Pleasantville, Port Republic, Somers Point, Ventnor City, Weymouth
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