logo
Google Play App Store
Log In subscribe and/or renew Eeditions
  • Home
  • E-Edition
    • This Week Newspaper
    • Archives
    • Local Shops
    • This is Westfield
    • Search the Archives
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Sports
  • Community
    • Life Events
    • Community Calendar
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Obituaries
    • Submit an Obituary
  • Classified
  • Legals
  • Advertise
    • Advertorial
    • Paid Political
    • Sponsored Content
  • subscribe and/or renew
  • Contact
    • Home
    • E-Edition
      • This Week Newspaper
      • Archives
      • Local Shops
      • This is Westfield
      • Search the Archives
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Sports
    • Community
      • Life Events
      • Community Calendar
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Obituaries
      • Submit an Obituary
    • Classified
    • Legals
    • Advertise
      • Advertorial
      • Paid Political
      • Sponsored Content
    • subscribe and/or renew
    • Contact
  • Home
  • E-Edition
    • This Week Newspaper
    • Archives
    • Local Shops
    • This is Westfield
    • Search the Archives
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Sports
  • Community
    • Life Events
    • Community Calendar
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Obituaries
    • Submit an Obituary
  • Classified
  • Legals
  • Advertise
    • Advertorial
    • Paid Political
    • Sponsored Content
  • subscribe and/or renew
  • Contact
    • Home
    • E-Edition
      • This Week Newspaper
      • Archives
      • Local Shops
      • This is Westfield
      • Search the Archives
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Sports
    • Community
      • Life Events
      • Community Calendar
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Obituaries
      • Submit an Obituary
    • Classified
    • Legals
    • Advertise
      • Advertorial
      • Paid Political
      • Sponsored Content
    • subscribe and/or renew
    • Contact
Main, News
By KATIE MOEN on
December 26, 2024
County Commissioners Wrap Up 2024

COUNTY — The Union County Board of County Commissioners finished out its business for 2024 last week by finalizing two new ordinances — one that will allow the county to go out to bond for over $23 million to fund various capital improvements and another that amends various sections of the governing body’s legal code.

According to Ordinance 850-2024, which was unanimously approved by the board, the county plans to go out to bond for $23,805,044 to offset the cost of “new, additional or replacement machinery, new furnishings, and new automotive vehicles.”

The county anticipates that it will be able to fund the rest of the improvement package, which totals $37,783,130 before the bond, through grant funding.

When questioned by Garwood resident Bruce Paterson about whether or not the ordinance had been approved under the terms of the county’s 2024 capital budget, Finance Director Bibi Taylor explained that the capital budget is a working document that serves to steer funding choices throughout the year rather than an authorization to allocate specific funds.

“Nothing happens until these funds are appropriated via ordinances [like this one],” Ms. Taylor said.

The evening’s second public hearing, held in regards to Ordinance 8522024, elicited further questions from Mr. Paterson, who asked the commissioner board to further explain its revisions.

“These changes are part of the cleanup that we do at this time every year. We’re merely changing outdated language. Nobody will be affected by this because it’s not changing anything other than making the language coincide with the actual process,” County Counsel Bruce Bergen said.

Mr. Paterson also questioned the commissioners about a payroll problem that caused issues for a number of public-safety employees earlier this month and asked why an ordinance related to salaries for certain county employees was removed from Wednesday night’s agenda. Affected employees were informed via written communications that their paychecks would be delayed by a week due to “a lack of funding in the department’s budget.”

“What are the checks and balances for when a salary line item approaches depletion?” Mr. Paterson asked. “Can anyone answer this, or is there no liability?”

County Manager Edward Oatman did not answer the question directly, but did confirm that the commissioner board would authorize a financial transfer to the Office of Emergency Management and the Emergency Medical Services Department to make sure that all employees will be paid what they are owed.

The commissioners also recognized Dennis McCaffery, Cranford High School’s longtime varsity baseball coach, with a special presentation on Wednesday to honor him for his 25 years of service to the school district and to wish him well in his upcoming retirement.

“Coach McCaffery’s leadership and commitment to his players have brought not only championships but also life lessons that will resonate far beyond the baseball diamond,” Board Chair Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded said. “Your dedication has shaped the lives of countless young athletes and your legacy will be felt in Cranford and throughout Union County for generations to come,” she added, addressing Mr. McCaffery.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners will hold its annual reorganization meeting on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 6 p.m., at the Union County Courthouse.

ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Most Read
Former Westfield Cop Sues Town, Cites Retaliation
Main, News
Former Westfield Cop Sues Town, Cites Retaliation
By KATIE MOEN 
Thursday, October 9, 2025
WESTFIELD — A former member of the Westfield Police Department who says that he was retaliated against after reporting sexual harassment by a co-worke...
this is a test
Here We Grow Celebrates Director Jennifer Carrasquillo’s Achievement of Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
Sponsored Content
Here We Grow Celebrates Director Jennifer Carrasquillo’s Achievement of Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
Thursday, October 9, 2025
WESTFIELD — It is with immense pride and joy that we share the exciting news that Jennifer Carrasquillo, Director of Here We Grow, has officially earn...
this is a test
Westfield Candidates Forum
News
Westfield Candidates Forum
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Tonight's Westfield Candidate forum is live streaming on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/VHTdYUOlqog?si=dPi-ucNpnKdlY49M
this is a test
Wonder Hearings to Continue Tonight at Cranford Planning Bd.
Front Page, News
Wonder Hearings to Continue Tonight at Cranford Planning Bd.
By MADOLYN LAURINE 
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
CRANFORD — The Cranford Planning Board met Wednesday to continue its in-depth review of the Wonder Foods, LLC, manufacturing warehouse at 42 Jackson D...
this is a test
E-Bikes Banned in County Parks, Legislators Look to Regulate
Main
E-Bikes Banned in County Parks, Legislators Look to Regulate
By FRED T. ROSSI 
Thursday, October 9, 2025
SCOTCH PLAINS – The use of e-bikes and motorized scooters will be prohibited at all Union County parks while State legislators from the area work on p...
this is a test
This site complies with ADA requirements

© Copyright The The Westfield Leader

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy
This site complies with ADA requirements

© Copyright The The Westfield Leader