Atlantic City Electric representatives Michelle Dorsy and Ronnie Town unveiled an HVAC program set to commence on April 1st, offering free four-year apprenticeships to Cumberland County residents. The program, funded initially by Atlantic City Electric and subsequently by the Atlantic County Workforce Development Board, aims to equip residents with essential skills for the growing energy sector, particularly in light of the increase in data centers. Christy D. Leonardo, executive director of the Cumberland Salem Cape May Workforce Development Board, accepted a check from Atlantic City Electric, expressing gratitude for the partnership. She credited the support of the board members for the initiative’s success, emphasizing its potential to enhance local employment opportunities.

In the realm of public comment, Sandy Asivito from Deerfield Township raised questions about Resolution 2026-171, which involved the cancellation of grant balances for the middle mile project. It was clarified that these balances were being transferred to Salem County to continue the project, with assurances that the original plan to serve Cumberland County would proceed. Asivito remarked on the project’s potential, acknowledging that while “it could have been a lot better for Cumberland,” the current outcome was satisfactory.

The board addressed a series of resolutions, starting with the authorization of an additional temporary budget appropriation of $35,314,948. Discussions included various matters such as an appropriation reserve transfer, the declaration of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and a shared service agreement for mowing services at Boswick Lake, which was noted positively by one commissioner. Further resolutions authorized contracts for title insurance services and a striking program in various municipalities, all receiving unanimous support.

Several other resolutions concerning county services were passed, including provisions for delivering emulsified asphalt, renewing elevator inspection services, and authorizing the assignment of litigation matters. The board also approved resolutions related to election materials printing, a video visitation system for the jail, and adjustments to contracts for ADA Fairgrounds improvements. Budget amendments for a critical incident model grant program and a contract for leasing county-owned farmland were also discussed.

Commissioners provided reports on recent activities, highlighting the need for more volunteers for the Human Relations Commission and acknowledging Women’s History Month. One commissioner spoke about engaging with Girl Scouts on democracy and civic engagement, while another commended local educators and students recognized by the CC Tech board. New grandstands and ticket booths at a local park were completed, with encouragement for residents to view the improvements.

In a report on the Board of Health, a proposed budget increase from $4.217 million to $4.442 million for 2026 was outlined, sourced from grants rather than tax increases. Two new board members were introduced, and a $250,000 grant fund aimed at supporting food organizations and schools was highlighted. Additionally, a safety initiative involving the installation of cameras and vending machines with life-saving equipment was discussed.

The meeting also covered events such as the Fire EMS awards dinner, which honored local firefighters and 911 dispatchers, and a Women’s Hall of Fame event attended by young women from local high schools. Further updates included emergency management responses to a burning barge incident, with praise for the 911 and OEM director’s leadership.

Lastly, a commissioner reported on an event by the Eagleton Institute focused on encouraging women’s participation in local government.