Ocean County backs fly control bill and Beach Haven battery project delay in busy commissioners meeting
Toms River, NJ — The Ocean County Board of Commissioners tackled a packed agenda this week, advancing 14 key resolutions, including support for state legislation aimed at controlling greenhead flies, a delay request on a battery energy storage system in Beach Haven, and several budget amendments tied to juvenile services and aviation infrastructure.
Among the headline items, the board passed a resolution backing Senate Bill No. 1901, which seeks to authorize funding appropriations for Greenhead Fly Reduction Programs. The biting flies, common in the coastal areas of New Jersey, have long plagued residents and visitors during summer months.
The commissioners also threw their support behind the Borough of Beach Haven’s formal request to Atlantic City Electric to delay startup on a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Local officials have cited concerns about safety, public awareness, and environmental impact related to the project.
Budget matters also took center stage, including a $1.16 million amendment related to the design and construction of a new aircraft hangar under Phase I of the county’s aviation program. Matching funds of just over $61,000 are being allocated toward the project.
Additional resolutions included the acceptance of $55,080 in grant funding under the State Facilities Education Act (SFEA) for fiscal year 2026, and an intergovernmental agreement with the Ocean County Vocational-Technical School to provide education services to juveniles in county custody, valued at up to $645,423.
The county is also expanding its regional partnerships with Gloucester, Salem, and Gloucester Counties to house juveniles under short-term detention or adjudicated commitment statuses at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.
Other notable resolutions included:
- Use of Facilities agreements with Stockton University for Crisis Intervention Training by the Prosecutor’s Office
- Cooling center services in partnership with Ending Homelessness Group from August 21 through September 30
- A shared services agreement allowing limited use of the Manchester Road Department Garage by the OC Vocational Technical School
Also approved was an amendment to the Ocean County First Time Homebuyer Program to add a new participant under an existing plan.
––
Key Points
- Ocean County supported a Senate bill to fund greenhead fly control and backed a delay in Beach Haven’s battery energy project
- Commissioners approved over $1 million in funding toward new airport hangar construction
- Juvenile services and inter-county housing agreements dominated budget and shared service approvals
Ocean County commissioners moved swiftly through a stack of resolutions this week, pushing forward fly control, infrastructure upgrades, and youth service expansions.
