Atlantic County Board of Commissioners Deliberates on Budget, Health Benefits, and Regional Jail

Overview: The Atlantic County Board of Commissioners meeting underscored issues such as the rejection of the proposed health benefit plan by the state, the economic strain from state legislators’ salary increases, and the opioid epidemic’s impact. County Executive Dennis Levinson presented the 2024 budget, focusing on fiscal management and workforce initiatives, while expressing concerns over health benefit costs for county employees. The meeting also delved into the high detention rate and successful prosecutions by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the challenges at the Meadviw nursing home, and the exploration of a regional jail concept to improve fiscal efficiency.

Margate City Advances Environmental and Infrastructure Projects

Overview: In a recent Margate City Council meeting, the council discussed updates on environmental and infrastructure projects poised to impact the community. The dredging program, essential for waterway maintenance and flood mitigation, was a focal point with updates on the citywide dredging permit and the Shelter Island salt marsh restoration project. A proposal from Stockton University to address comments from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on the salt marsh project was considered for approval. Additionally, progress was reported on the Winchester Avenue project, now ready for bidding following Department of Transportation approval, and the Adams Avenue storm sewer pump station, which aims to alleviate local flooding.