Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sussex County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues with critical priority
SCMUA water treatment plant $100 million bonding question
The Upper Wallkill Valley sewer plant partially failed September 24 when a skimmer arm broke, but staff restored it within 24 hours. Henderson warns the facility is 40 years old and past its life expectancy.
July 3-4 storm response and emergency funding advocacy
Crews are still cleaning up from the July 3rd, 4th, and 21st storms, and the public works division is down 12 employees. The county is recruiting at the fair and online.
2026 County Budget and Property Taxes
The county capped its 2026 budget growth at 3.5% and set up a cap bank so it can bank unused capacity below the 2% state cap for emergencies like pension or health cost spikes. One resident argued even 3.5% a year doubles taxes in 20 years and urged cuts instead.