EXHIBIT 99

                                  Press Release

Franklin, NJ, October, 9, 1998 -Sussex Bancorp (AMEX: SBB) reported consolidated
third quarter 1998 net income of $178 thousand  compared with net income of $173
thousand during the same period last year.

For the nine months  ending  September  30, 1998,  net income was $519  thousand
compared to $457 thousand reported for the same period last year, representing a
13.6%  increase.  Earnings  per  share,  after  adjusting  for the  dilution  of
effective  stock options,  was $.36 for the nine months ended September 30, 1998
compared to $.32 for the period ended September 30, 1997.

Total assets as of  September  30, 1998  increased to $129.7  million from total
assets of $114.3  million as of December 31,  1997.  Total loans as of September
30, 1998  increased  to $69.1  million  from total loans of $68.0  million as of
December 31, 1997.  Total  deposits as of September 30, 1998 increased to $119.7
million from $104.9 million as of December 31, 1997.

Sussex Bancorp, through its subsidiary, Sussex County State Bank, operates seven
branches in Franklin, Vernon, Sparta, Montague,  Wantage, Newton, and Andover in
northwestern New Jersey.



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