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Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save State supervision of Atlantic City will continue for at least the next year, as both state and local officials say there is still more work to be done to get the city’s finances in order. During a meeting Sept. 11, the state Local Finance Board approved the continuation of supervision of the city under the state Supervision Act.
The Supervision Act lays out particular financial controls that are not available under the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act, the 2016 law that initiated the state takeover of Atlantic City, which is set to lapse in 2025. The resort was placed under state supervision after casino tax appeals brought the city to the brink of bankruptcy. In June 2021, Gov.
Phil Murphy signed legislation that extended state oversight of the city for an additional five years beyond November 2021. Margate doctor sentenced for role in health care fraud case Cumberland Detective Mosley shot one of her 3 attackers before she was murdered, court docs show Mainland Regional makes hiring of new baseball coach official Phillies sign local high school graduate Atlantic County Republicans say independent ACUA may need to be dissolved to solve landfill odor Who is running for school board in South Jersey? Fire damages home in Longport Ocean City house fire displaces 5 Atlantic City native living out his dream selling ice cream Ocean City announces Halloween house decorating contest winners Cumberland County prosecutor promises to fight for slain Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley Roadwork to affect multiple Atlantic County streets next week Lower Township police searching for missing 14-year-old 11 local teams make public school football playoffs; AC to host postseason game for first time in 12 years UPDATED Thursday's and Friday’s New Jersey high school football scores “There is no doubt that Atlantic City has made great strides in improving its fiscal health, and the partnership the state and the City of Atlantic City has forged certainly contributes to the development of stronger institutional protections and financial controls,” Jacquelyn Suarez, chair of the Local Finance Board and commissioner of the state Department of Community Affairs, which oversees the city under the takeover law, said during the hearing.
“The impact of this has resulted in a much more stable economic development-friendly city for residents, tourists and entrepreneurs alike.” Under the Supervision Act and the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act, the Local Finance Board has oversight over the city’s municipal budget for each year during the period of recovery, according to testimony. “The relationship between the Great City of Atlantic City and the State of New Jersey not only remains intact, but is stronger than ever,” Mayor Marty Small Sr.
said in a statement. “We will continue working closely with the State to make sure the Small administration has all the tools needed to enhance our clean and safe efforts, while making positive differences in the community.” On Nov.
5, Atlantic City voters will express their opinion about whether the "green zone," where cannabis businesses are allowed, should be expanded to parts of Kentucky and Albany avenues. The Local Finance Board approved the city’s $255.79 million budget during its July 10 meeting.
State officials describe the Supervision Act as more of a long-term planning tool that allows for the guiding of a municipality to a financial turnaround. “The city does still face some significant financial difficulties that qualify it for continued supervision under the municipal Supervision Act,” Suarez said. Lisa Ryan, spokesperson for the Department of Community Affairs, said the Local Finance Board has to approve the continued oversight each year.
“The Local Finance Board has renewed the supervision at its September meetings since the first renewal in 2017,” Ryan said. “The board first voted to impose the conditions of the act in November of 2016.” The Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act gives the state broad authority to fix the city’s finances, including the ability to break union contracts and fire workers.
“I just want to say that our partnership with DCA, Commissioner Suarez, Director Suarez, has never been stronger. We keep each other in the loop on everything that we’re doing from a fiscal standpoint or anything else that can impact the city significantly. Her team that she has in place, Russ Swain, Rick Richardella, we have known each other for quite a while now, so we have a very strong working relationship.
We bounce ideas off each other to try to get to the best option that the city should move with,” said Anthony Swan, the city’s business administrator. Adetoro Aboderin, chief financial officer for the city, said the state’s involvement has made things better for Atlantic City. Indicted Camden County Democratic political boss and insurance executive George E.
Norcross III has kept a low public profile in the Atlantic City area, but that doesn't mean his influence here isn't deep and wide. While he has never run for office, or taken an official public role here, Norcross has been at the table when small numbers of people met to shape the future of Atlantic City, the county and the region. “We are able to run the city and make the city much, much better, put the city in a much better financial situation and just fiscal situation all around,” Aboderin said.
“We get advice for each one of our departments, not just on the financial matters, but also on other departments like fire, police, public works, licensing and inspection, so really it’s been a great partnership.” Contact Nicholas Huba: 609-272-7046 [email protected] Twitter @acpresshuba Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
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