United water takes over some BMUA operations
In an agreement forged last year, United Water began its operations at the Bayonne Municipal Utilities Authority on Jan. 1 as part of a privatization of some operations. The move helped get the BMUA out of debt and brought on sorely needed licensed professionals for some of the key positions.
Freeholders accept social service block grant
In December, the Hudson County Board of Freeholders accepted a $500,000 social service block grant to be used by the County Department of Family Services in its Division of Welfare for the Visiting Homemaker Service. The funds will be distributed using Title XX income guidelines for eligibility covering senior citizens and disabled, blind or frail residents throughout Hudson County.
The freeholders also will reallocate $1.2 million in sub-grants for various services to reduce detention in already overcrowded facilities.
The Hudson County Sheriff’s Office will receive $160,000; Hoboken University Medical Center, $205,000; United Cerebral Palsy, $30,000; Hudson County Probation Department, $12,000; Christ Hospital, $130,000; Youth Advocate Program, $37,253; and Hudson County Administration, $55,000. Family Court Services, which covers a variety of programs, will receive $312,767. Additional funds were also allocated to the Hudson County Prosecutors office for other services for $44,867.