Essex County Commissioners Live Meeting September 2, 2026

The Essex County Commissioners held a meeting on September 2, 2026, where they addressed multiple procurement and budget-related matters. Key procurement actions included the approval of contract extensions and awards such as a $746,948.36 contract extension with Direct Waste for solid waste services, a $9 million two-year extension with Colonial Energy for natural gas supply, and a $500,000 change order increasing the BlackRock Enterprises contract for roadway resurfacing. The board also approved a $73,980 contract award to United Ford for a refrigerated cargo van to support a mobile fresh produce initiative. Additionally, a $400,000 reprogramming of HOME funding was approved to support the construction of four affordable townhomes by the nonprofit Sierra House. Several budget insertions from state grants totaling over $2 million were accepted, supporting programs in corrections, employment training, arts, and elections. The commissioners also discussed transitioning the county's health insurance plan to a partially self-insured model to reduce costs. Other resolutions included lease agreements for warehouse space, affiliation agreements with Rutgers University, and ceremonial namings. Public comments addressed community safety and housing concerns. Overall, the meeting focused heavily on contract approvals, budget allocations, and program funding impacting county services and infrastructure.