COUNTY EXECUTIVE GUY STATEMENT ON SUPERIOR COURT’S RULING GRANTING A HEARING TO HUDSON COUNTY OVER THE OBJECTION OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Today, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy issued a statement regarding this month’s Hudson County Superior Court decision in a dispute between Hudson County and the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller. The Court granted the County’s application to present witnesses to explain the methodology used to award the medical services contract at the Hudson County Correctional Center and why it qualifies as professional services.

“We are very satisfied with this month’s court ruling. It’s unfortunate that the Comptroller continues to waste taxpayer money litigating this frivolous suit,” said County Executive Guy. “Since day one, we have been transparent, honest, and forthright in our interactions with the Comptroller. We are pleased that the Superior Court is allowing the County to present its case. It is our hope that the Comptroller will drop this unnecessary challenge instead of engaging in costly, needless political fights with local officials.”

From 2019-2023, Hudson County, pursuant to law, awarded a series of one-year professional services contracts to Wellpath, each time notifying the Comptroller. And each time, the County received no objection – or even a response – from the Comptroller. Earlier this year, the Comptroller issued an order prohibiting the County from awarding a contract for 2025. Earlier this month, the Superior Court agreed not to enforce the Comptroller’s Order, pending a mid-December hearing.