Trenton – Jersey Intel

Accountability

Third try at Bridgeton High comes in $7M higher; SDA board packet called a protest pending six days after SDA denied it

October 8, 2026 · Jersey Intel Staff

The NJ Schools Development Authority’s Oct. 7 board packet recommends Ernest Bock & Sons at $80,985,000 for Bridgeton High School, the project’s third procurement and about $7 million above the bid SDA recommended in March. The budget is now $94,971,000, up from $49,240,000 in 2022. The packet calls a rival’s protest pending; an SDA decision dated Oct. 1 denied it. The resolution’s operative clause says $80,895,000. The same agenda carried a $1,519,054 Bock change order in Trenton.

Accountability

Trenton, out of the State Health Benefits Plan, tells state board its health costs hit $73M; $18M cap waiver passes 5–2

October 8, 2026 · Jersey Intel Staff

At the Sept. 9 Local Finance Board meeting, Trenton’s business administrator testified health costs were $56 million in 2025 and $73 million in 2026. The mayor said the city withdrew from the State Health Benefits Plan and self-insures. The board approved an $18 million cap waiver 5–2. The city’s April budget lists its entire insurance line at $71.7 million, and Trenton is back Oct. 14 seeking approval for $20 million in bonds.

Accountability

Forensic audit: Trenton recreation spending skipped bidding rules while city sought state aid

September 29, 2026 · Jersey Intel Staff

Trenton’s recreation department paid millions in no-bid park upgrades and left overtime and reimbursements poorly documented, a forensic audit described in public reporting shows.

Records we’ve requested

Third try at Bridgeton High comes in $7M higher; SDA board packet called a protest pending six days after SDA denied it

Trenton, out of the State Health Benefits Plan, tells state board its health costs hit $73M; $18M cap waiver passes 5–2

Forensic audit: Trenton recreation spending skipped bidding rules while city sought state aid