Ocean county commissioners approve new grants, shared services, and policy changes for 2026 — Photo: #post_seo_title

TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has approved a wide-ranging series of grants, shared service agreements, and internal policy measures during its latest public meeting, committing millions of dollars toward law enforcement programs, emergency communications upgrades, infrastructure partnerships, and community initiatives for 2026.

Among the largest allocations, the county authorized multiple state and federal grant awards supporting public safety and victim services, including $350,000 through the ARRIVE Together violence intervention initiative, $260,083 for Sexual Assault Response Team and forensic nursing programs, and $346,875 for upgrades to Ocean County’s 9-1-1 system.

The Board also approved a series of “Schedule C” shared services agreements with municipalities and school districts for 2026. These agreements allow towns to utilize county road, engineering, and vehicle services, helping reduce local expenses and streamline project coordination.

Grants and public safety initiatives

In addition to the ARRIVE Together and VOCA funding, the county will pursue a Justice Assistance Grant to support the Multi-Jurisdictional Gang, Gun, and Narcotics Strike Force, operating through mid-2026. Another pair of grants totaling over $540,000 were approved under the FY2026 Next Generation 9-1-1 program to enhance public safety answering points.

The Board also ratified a $4,500 Safety Grant for county risk management initiatives and authorized continued participation in the federal Equitable Sharing Agreement for the Sheriff’s Office, allowing the county to assist in organized crime and drug enforcement operations.

Shared services and infrastructure

More than a dozen shared service contracts were approved, including:
• $500,000 for road work in Seaside Heights
• $445,000 with Lakewood Township
• $325,000 with the Borough of Beachwood
• $155,000 with the Ocean County Vocational Technical School
Additional agreements were signed with municipalities including Barnegat, Bay Head, Eagleswood, Harvey Cedars, and others for 2026, contingent on adoption of the county budget.

The county also extended environmental restoration work at Cattus Island County Park through February 2027 via a no-cost grant extension and approved $72,460 in deferred loan agreements for the HOME Housing Rehabilitation Program.

Key points:
• Commissioners approved over $1.8 million in new and continuing grants for 2025–2027 programs
• Dozens of shared service agreements were renewed to support local road and infrastructure projects
• Policy changes included establishing a Veterans Service Bureau and adopting new flag display guidelines

Policy updates and administrative actions

Beyond funding approvals, the commissioners enacted several administrative measures — including separating the Division of Veterans Services from the Department of Human Services to form the new Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, adopting a formal flag display policy for county facilities, revising the bylaws of the Commission for Individuals with Disabilities, and dissolving the Transportation Advisory Board.

The meeting concluded with authorizations for cooperative purchasing, updates to the county’s employee participation policy on boards and commissions, and the establishment of the 2026 rate for off-duty sheriff’s officers.

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