What’s on the Commissioner’s Agenda in Sussex County?
By Editor
This is the beginning of an exciting new project in Sussex County. Something that we once took for granted but that now, sadly, is no longer provided by the media that covers our county: Comprehensive coverage of the actions of the County Commissioners and the county administration at the twice-monthly meetings of the Sussex County Board of Commissioners.
First, let’s note a few glossed over highlights from the last few meetings. At the March 12th meeting, Commissioner Director Chris Carney complained that he and the other Commissioners weren’t paid enough.
His comment begins at 1:15:00 of the following video.
What Commissioner Carney forgets are the “perks” available only to people “connected” to power the way those who hold political office are. For example, Commissioner Jill Space and her husband, Senator Parker Space, got a sweet $359,838 deal when they “sold” a Warranty Easement Deed it to the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Wetland Reserve Easement. The government paid to “acquire” three parcels of Space Farms’ properties - yet Space Farms is still listed as owning the properties under this unusual agreement. Even though it “sold” the parcels the Space Farms still holds title to the land and got to pocket $359,838.00.
At the March 26th meeting, two county workers detailed the low pay and understaffing that defines Sussex County’s operational style. Their comments begin at 11:10 and 13:35 in the following video.
At the same meeting, the Commissioners voted to allow three “county entities” to exceed their budget requests. The County Board of Elections was permitted to exceed its budget by 2.8%. The County Prosecutor was permitted to exceed its budget by 0.5%. The County Surrogate was permitted to exceed its budget by 13.8%.
Why the huge increase for the County Surrogate’s office? Maybe it has something to do with the patronage jobs located there, including relatives of members of the LD24 office.
Meeting of May 14, 2025
The agenda for this week’s meeting includes a presentation of the 2024 county audit by Raymond Sarinelli of Nisivoccia LLP. This is the same company responsible for auditing the Allamuchy Township School District that has been in the news lately.
Tiny N.J. school district owes whopping $1.17M to the IRS - nj.com
How did the people who audit Sussex County’s books miss something like that in Allamuchy? Maybe it’s worth someone asking the question?
Maybe the Commissioners can explain whether they anticipate needing a “corrective action plan”?
Commissioner Space should explain why she is required to ABSTAIN from voting on the payment of bills. Which payments pertain to her or her interests?
College Bonds are on the agenda too.
You can access the full agenda here: https://www.sussex.nj.us/uppages/BCC/2025/20250514-BCC%20Agenda.pdf