July 2025 Newsletter
Goodbye July and Hello August!
I hope everyone is enjoying the first week of August! If you haven’t had a chance to attend the Sussex County Fair yet, there’s still time—it runs through August 9th. Whether you’re going for the rides, the food, to celebrate Sussex County’s incredible agricultural heritage, or just to catch up with old friends, I hope you have a great time.
While you’re waiting in line for a lemonade or a funnel cake, feel free to take a few minutes to read this month’s newsletter—I'll be sharing some highlights from July from my work as your Sussex County Commissioner.
Ballot Referendum Slated For This November
Back at our County Reorganization Meeting on January 1, 2025, I stated that “the top priority in 2025 will be to authorize a public referendum to appear on the November 4, 2025, general election ballot to seek voter approval to continue the Sussex County Farmland Preservation, Recreation, and Open Space Trust Fund for an additional 10-year time period.”
I’m proud to share that this goal has been achieved. At our July 9th meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved the resolution to place the referendum on the ballot this November. Below is the official ballot question as approved in the resolution:
The full resolution can be found in the public agenda from the July 9th Board of County Commissioners meeting. It appears under:
Section 17. FINANCIAL: B. Resolution Re:
Authorizing the Placement of a Public Question on the Official Ballot for the General Election on November 4, 2025, Concerning a Proposition Authorizing the County of Sussex to Continue a Trust Fund to Support Farmland Preservation, Recreation, and Open Space Programs, Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:12-15.1, et seq.
If you’d like to review the full language of the resolution, I encourage you to check out the meeting agenda on the Sussex County website.
Looking Ahead Toward November
Placing this question on the ballot is an important step in giving Sussex County residents the opportunity to directly decide the future of our Farmland Preservation, Recreation, and Open Space Trust Fund.
Over the next few months, I’ll continue working to ensure the public has access to clear and accurate information about the referendum and what it means for our county. I encourage everyone to stay informed, ask questions, and make your voice heard this November.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update—and as always, thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Enjoy the rest of your summer,
Jack DeGroot