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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DIVISION OF WEATHERIZATION AND HOME ENERGY TO ACCEPT AN AMENDMENT INCREASE AND FIVE (5)-MONTH TERM EXTENSION FOR THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND 2025 GRANT FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:5-30.
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WHEREAS, the County of Passaic (hereafter "County") is a body politic and corporate pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:18-1, et seq., and vested with all rights contained therein; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:20-1, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Passaic (hereafter "Board") is vested with decision-making powers on behalf of the County; and
WHEREAS, the County, through its Division of Weatherization and Home Energy (hereafter “Division”) of the Department of Senior Services, administers various programs to reduce energy costs for low-income residents in Passaic County by improving energy efficiency; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (hereafter “NJBPU”), through the Societal Benefits Charge, makes funding available to help make energy bills more affordable for low-income customers in the County by reducing the economic burden for natural gas and electricity; and
WHEREAS, on June 11, 2024, pursuant to Resolution R-24-498, the Board authorized the Division to apply for and accept the Universal Service Fund (hereafter “USF”) 2025 Grant in the amount of four hundred seventy thousand five hundred twenty-seven and 00/100) ($470,527.00) dollars; and
WHEREAS, the subsequent actual grant amount awarded was four hundred thirty-two thousand and 00/100 ($432,000.00) dollars; and
WHEREAS, the Division is requesting a resolution to accept a one hundred four thousand six hundred seven and 00/100 ($104,607.00) dollar grant amendment increase, increasing the USF 2025 Grant from four hundred thirty-two thousand and 00/100 ($432,000.00) dollars to five hundred thirty-six thousand six hundred seven and 00/100 ($536,607.00) dollars; and
WHEREAS, the Division is also requesting a five (5)-month extension to the original grant period of October 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, increasing the term end date to November 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, this amendment will provide funding to assist low-income households in Passaic County with their home energy expenses; and
WHEREAS, this grant is funded by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, through the Societal Benefits Charge; and
WHEREAS, no dollar match is required, and the Division presently administers this program; and
WHEREAS, this matter was discussed at the November 12, 2025, meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee and is being recommended to the Board for approval;
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:5-30, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Passaic (hereafter "Board") authorizes the Division to accept a $104,607.00 grant amendment increase, increasing the USF 2025 Grant amount from $432,000.00 to $536,607.00 and a five (5)-month term extension to the original grant period of October 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, increasing the term end date to November 30, 2025 from the State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs; and
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk to the Board, Director of the Board, County Counsel and Director of the Board of County Commissioners are authorized to take any other steps necessary to carry out the purpose of this Resolution.
Kevin Batacchi, Director Pasquale “Pat” Lepore, Commissioner Director
Weatherization & Home Energy Board of County Commissioners
County of Passaic County of Passaic
JDP November 17, 2025