April 2025 Newsletter
Goodbye April & Welcome to May!
As we say goodbye to April’s spring showers and welcome the blooming beauty of May, I’m excited to share a few important updates and highlights from the past month in my work as your Sussex County Commissioner, along with a special invitation!
County Seed Library: Educational Sessions in Full Bloom
In April, there were two well-received gardening education sessions, one at the Vernon Senior Center and the other at the Hopatcong Senior Center, led by the Sussex County Rutgers Master Gardeners in partnership with our dedicated Senior Services staff.
The Vernon session offered a more intimate, hands-on experience, where Master Gardeners provided personalized guidance to each attendee. The Rutgers team truly valued the opportunity to engage so closely with our community!
The Hopatcong session, I had the pleasure of attending myself. We welcomed 18 registered seniors, with 9 more eager participants arriving at the door. It was a joy to see their enthusiasm during the hands-on planting demonstrations, where they learned to start seeds in containers and transplant them into thriving gardens. The event sparked great conversations and a shared excitement about growing fresh food.
With all three educational sessions now complete, we’re thrilled by the strong turnout and the positive feedback received from our seniors. Now, we’re moving into the next phase: seed distribution. This will be in partnership with the outstanding Sussex County Library System. Stay tuned for more details on this blossoming initiative!
County Budget Season!
This past month, the final approval to the county’s $126.7 million budget took place and was unanimously approved. Approximately 82% of the funding comes from taxes, with grants accounting for 4%, and state aid providing about 2%. An additional $8.8 million is drawn from the county’s fund balance, representing unspent funds from the prior year.
The budget allocates roughly 22% to capital debt and statutory expenses, including capital improvements and pension obligations. Public safety and insurance each account for 19% of the spending plan. Public works—including building maintenance, snow removal, and mosquito control—receives 13%, while education, including Sussex County Community College and Sussex County Technical School, is allocated 10%. Health and human services receive 5%.
A highlight of the approved budget is a $500 stipend for new volunteer firefighters to attend the basic firefighters course taught at the Sussex County Fire Academy operated by Sussex County Community College. State regulations require the course of all new volunteers.
3rd Annual Pig Roast!
I couldn't be more excited to invite you to join me on Tuesday June 17th from 6:00-8:00PM at the Sparta VFW Post #7248, located at 66 Main St, Sparta, NJ 07871 for my 3rd Annual Pig Roast. Last year's event was fantastic, and this year promises to be even better with an evening of delicious pig, great laughter, and wonderful company.
You can purchase tickets by clicking the button below or by mailing a check to 254 Libertyville Rd, Wantage, NJ 07461. Please make checks payable to: “Jack DeGroot For Commissioner.”
Click here to Purchase Tickets For Jack’s 3rd Annual Pig Roast
I sincerely thank God for the opportunity to serve as your Sussex County Commissioner. It’s a privilege I carry with deep gratitude, respect, and a strong sense of responsibility. Your continued trust and support mean the world to me. I’m especially thankful for the support and generosity toward my 3rd Annual Pig Roast. As always, I remain fully committed to working tirelessly for the betterment of Sussex County, and I look forward to seeing many of you soon through my travels.
Sincerely,
Jack DeGroot