The Northumberland Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on April 25, 2025, addressing key financial matters and operational updates for the county. The meeting primarily focused on the approval of the fiscal year 2026 budget for the jail, which totals $13,846,630. Notably, this budget will not require any funding from Northumberland County, as it is fully supported by federal dollars allocated for prisons. This financial structure provides significant savings for local taxpayers, particularly in comparison to Gloucester County, which is expected to contribute nearly $685,000.
The board unanimously approved the budget after a brief discussion, highlighting the benefits of federal funding in alleviating local financial burdens.
Additionally, the meeting included a request from the sheriff to amend a previous motion regarding the surplus of several vehicles. The board agreed to correct the details of the vehicle listing, replacing a 2017 Ford Interceptor with a 2019 model. This amendment was also passed without opposition.
In a more contentious discussion, a board member inquired about the status of a request for the school superintendent and finance director to be placed on leave. The board chair indicated that no updates had been received regarding this matter, expressing disappointment over the lack of communication from the school board.
Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to managing county resources effectively while addressing operational needs and concerns from the community. The next steps include finalizing the budget and continuing dialogue with the school board regarding personnel issues.