The Jersey City Council voted 8-0(1) to pass their $886,416,892.79 municipal budget with a 15.15 percent property tax increase at a sometimes contentious special meeting last night.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
City Clerk Sean Gallagher noted that, prior to the hearing on the amendments to the budget, he was mandated to read it to the record, which he then proceeded to do.
During the budget hearing, Yvonne Balcer said the “friendly budget” was not available during Mayor James Solomon’s town halls and the budget hearings.
“We’re going to have the same problem next year and a 15 percent increase which I can’t afford,” she said.
Balcer also thought spending money on tenants’ Rights to Counsel didn’t benefit her and was a waste of taxpayer dollars.
Activist Stephanie Startz, who runs the Prevailing Sentiment Instagram page, believed that the city should be paying off their deferred charges more quickly, adding that she felt the city could make better use of its Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
“How about responding to the questions that people ask?” a man yelled out from the audience.
“We don’t answer questions like that,” Council President Denise Ridley responded.
“With this 15-and-a-half percent property tax increase, we’re going to have homeless people,” Peter Carter declared, adding that he may be one of them.
“Something has to give … Do not pass this bill!” he exclaimed.
After the public comment period ended after just a handful of speakers approached the podium, Ridley explained that a hearing is a time for residents to speak.
A man then called out angrily again.
“Sir, if you keep calling out, we’ll have to ask you to leave,” Ridley said, prompting him to leave in a huff.
During the general public comment period, Startz said she paid for the truck at the “Make Polluters Pay” rally criticizing the administration.
“I can pay to have that truck anywhere, any day of the week: We have a mayor more interested in photo ops … than in doing the work,” Startz argued before getting into budgetary issues, asserted that the city could apply for more grants to fund services.
“We can get more out of developers. But we seem more interested in slogans,” she added.
After the public comment period, Ward D Councilman Jake Ephros requested an explanation of the budget amendment resolutions.
CFO/Finance Director Bill Viqueira explained the amendments were technical in nature and ultimately did not affect the budget amount, nor property tax rate, significantly (a decrease of 15.5 percent to 15.15).
He noted they’ve been closely working with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) on many of the details of the city’s large budget after receiving $105 million in state aid.
The terms of the loan led to the council being forced to accept a tax rate of at least 15 percent.
Gallagher said the resolutions could be voted on individually, which Ridley opted for.
The amendments then passed unanimously 9-0 with little discussion. Then a vote on the final budget was taken.
Ward B Councilman Joel Brooks noted the limitations of the budget. He said they are constrained by the realities imposed by former Mayor Steven Fulop and the previous council.
“I don’t fault my predecessors. I’ve seen Fulop obfuscate, bully, and outright lie to achieve what he wanted. I am aware he did not operate in a transparent manner the way this administration has committed to doing,” Brooks explained.
“Residents are upset and I understand. The hard truth is our city operations … were not fully funded from year to year.”
Ward C Councilman Tom Zuppa said he didn’t think this outcome was anything to celebrate.
“This is certainly not a victory today. The pain of this tax increase will be felt by every corner of our city,” he said.
“Except for multi-billionaire and millionaire owners!” a woman cried out, with Ridley again stating speaking out of term was not allowed.
“I appreciate your frustration and sentiments. I certainly cannot justify to our residents or explain … why we have money for new non-essential hires, or some raises, but our library in Ward C has closed, and our park at the county courthouse park is stalled,” he expressed before voting yes.
He also not that the council does not have the ability to implement a progressive income tax.
“There are Jersey City families for whom this is existential, and there is no denying it. It’s make-or-break. That has to be reckoned with. Progressive taxes that target the highest incomes … are not legal for Jersey City to levy. Discussing plans for relief … are blocked too without new state legislation,” Ephros added.
Ephros said they modestly cut police over time, increased right to counsel, as well as mental mental health and recreation services.
“The state division of local government said 15 percent is the minimum property tax increase they’ll approve this year. This is extremely painful and cannot ever happen again,” Ward E Councilwoman Eleana Little noted. she said.
At that time, a woman called out and accused the council of ignoring them.
“I get the outrage … because of this tax increase, residents will be pushed out,” Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore said.
A woman called out angrily again.
“This is a barely I vote aye on this budget …We have to provide results for the taxpayers of Jersey City,” he added.
“…We are going to lose …a lot of longtime Jersey City residents…,” At-Large Councilwoman Mamta Singh said.
“You guys are happy about that!” a woman said.
“Ok. If you can’t control yourself…,” Ridley said.
“Bye bye!” a woman yelled before leaving, being approached by police officers on her way out.
Councilwoman at-Large Mamta Singh admitted the outcome “feels really bad” and committed to generating more revenue sources in the future.
“It’s very hard for someone like me who grew up in a community where the population is 80 percent under the poverty line. I’m going to have to abstain from this vote,” explained Councilman at-Large Michael Griffin.
Councilman at-Large Rolando Lavarro said he heard concerns about residents having to give up their homes loud and clear.
“Sometimes you vote for something you don’t want because it’s more important to be at the table … I do not believe we needed to be here, asking residents to bear an increase this steep. I will carry that conviction into every budget that follows,” he added.
Lavarro also said he worked very hard on the budget to address cuts and layoffs, urging those 31 city workers who were laid off to reapply when possible.
Ridley said a Council Finance Committee will be formed along with terms to regulate the city’s funds going forward.
“You will see legislation on that:You have a commitment from this council to work on 2027 now,” she delcared.
Ridley said she is working on adjusting the loan terms with the state, also noting she is seeking to hold a state resource fair to help residents.
The Jersey City Council passed the budget 8-0(1), with Griffin abstaining.
 to pass their $886.4M budget with a 15.15 percent property tax increase at a special meeting last night.){kind=link}