Hudson County Executive Craig Guy delivered his annual address on a $713,587,235.10 budget with a 5.59 percent tax hike during the board of commissioners caucus yesterday afternoon.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
During his remarks, which lasted for just over eight minutes, Guy began by thanking Finance and Administration Department Director Cheryl Fuller, her deputy John Inagaki, and County Administrator Abe Antun for their efforts.
He also mentioned that the county’s bond rating is an AA- and that President Donald Trump’s (R) federal funding cuts have already been felt in Hudson County, highlighting a $1 million grant for the “Clean Hudson” initiative being rescinded.
“This budget ensures the strength of all our vital programs that allow Hudson County to provide the best possible services to our residents. I have to say – I am so proud of the efforts of our county staff. Day in and day out, they work tirelessly to make certain our residents get the help they need,” Guy said before the nine commissioners.
“I know for a fact that the commissioners often call on them to address the needs of their constituents, and I profoundly thank them for answering those calls. This budget will continue to fund the critical services and resources our residents depend on and fund them without sacrificing quality.”
He continued that the budget has zero layoffs, most municipalities have a “modest” tax increase (some have none), emphasizing that fiscal responsibility remains a priority.
The overall tax increase went from $429,180,876.11 in 2024 to $453,180,876.11 this year, or a $24,000,000 increase, according to Hudson County spokeswoman Karina Diaz.
Guy also thanked Gov. Phil Murphy (D), state Senate President Nick Scutari (D-22), and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-19) for their help along the way.
“Times are tough, and we will work together with the leadership of all our county departments, and we will especially need the cooperation and creativity of our constitutional officers,” he said in a statement issued after his address.
“The Trump administration has proposed drastic cuts that will hurt everyone in our community. Now more than ever, we must work together to ensure we can continue serving Hudson County.”
A budget summary provided by the county says that their tax base (equalized valuations) has increased for the twelfth consecutive time since 2013.
The 2025 ratables reflect an increase of $13,431,608,758, or 10.9 percent, from $122,245,837,135 in 2024. to $135,677,445,893.
Additionally, the tax rate is estimated to decrease by eighteen cents per $1,000 of equalized value from $3.59 to $3.41 per $1,000 of equalized value. A tax levy of $453,180,876.11 is proposed for 2025.
This is an increase of $24 million over 2024’s tax levy or 5.59 percent. Excluding grants with offsetting revenues, total appropriations in 2025 are $694,558,810 compared to $656,573,290 in 2024 or an increase of 4.23 percent.
More endorsements. More committees. More taxes. More ceremonies. More political patronage. Are we better off for all the self saluting?
HOBOKEN VOTERS Remember in November :
Hoboken, the City that gets the screwed the most by the county is hedging their bats by supporting both Tiffanie Fisher and Emily Jabbour for mayor
Do They hate brown people so much get in bed with the people that brought us some of the most corrupt politicians in national and local political corruption history?
Our county taxes are through the roof and hopefully gets the least from them
Fischer has been up with the county so many times sucking up to Craig guy you would think they would be planning a honeymoon soon
Jokes on her, she will never be their final selection. They’re only going to use her and hope that she’ll endorse Jabbour.
The HCDO backs Ruben Ramos and then Michael Russo. Fine with Jabbour, just as Big Developers are in backing all three. These are the people we are counting on to keep the tax monies rolling in. You will pay more in taxes and like it.
We decide. We are HudCo.
Fisher supported by Republicans, InCels, Right Wing Horses and Giant Sikh haters
HCDO is not backing Ramos or Russo
They have new pods to inhabit
Fisher is stupid enough to think she can win so they will support her to split up the votes and then support the Fisher /Jabbour pact
Fisher will becoe Jaboour’s BA