Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, speaking with reporters after his State of the County Address last week, said that the county was preparing to tighten its belt as they begin the preliminary stages of compiling their budget.
By Dan Israel/Hudson County View
Guy told HCV that he regular meets with his team either weekly or biweekly to discuss the budget, with his priority being continuing services at the highest level.
“My main priority is to continue our services because we are an immigrant community that needs services and continue on with these affordable housing projects that make a hell of a lot of difference within the communities of Hudson County,” he said.
According to Guy, he has asked tasked all the directors within the administration, the business administrator, and the chief financial officer to identify items that can be streamlined.
He said they are also tasked at examining what things can be better financed, utilizing more shared services between different counties and municipalities, adding that this won’t affect personnel, but also acknowledged that tough decisions lie ahead.
“In my tenure as county executive or chief of staff, there’s never been a layoff: I look to continue that mantra.”
Looking ahead, Guy sees responsible spending and financing as the biggest solution to budget woes, seeking to stabilize the county’s finances as budget details become more concrete in the weeks and months ahead.
Solid details remain scarce as the moving parts of the budget are still falling in place.
He also wants to ensure that the county helps Jersey City address its over quarter billion dollar municipal deficit, which isn’t shocking since he, Mayor James Solomon, and the Hudson County legislative delegation penned a letter to the state seeking help.
“We’ve pledged total support to the mayor of Jersey City. What that support means is advocating with my good friend Governor Sherrill down there. Jersey City is in trouble. So myself and the legislators need to stand with Jersey City and get with the legislators and the county government itself,” Guy expressed.
He also assured that Jersey City is doing their own due diligence to get their “fiscal house” in order, but noted he will be a willing, ready, and able partner, including with potential shared services agreements.
“In my role as the county executive and the county chairman of the Democratic party, it’s my obligation to support good, sound governmental practices and requests. And that’s what we intend to do for Jersey City and all our cities. Jersey City is in a tough spot,” Guy added.
Last month, Solomon slammed his predecessor, Steven Fulop, over what he deemed “a financial crisis” that he attributed, in part, to $667 million in one-shot revenues since 2019.
Then last week, in an effort to alleviate some of the financial woes, the City Council approved a resolution applying for over $100 million in transitional state aid, as HCV first reported.
The move would also include the appointment of a state monitor to oversee and amend the budgetary process if necessary to ensure compliance with proper guidelines.
A spokeswoman for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs was also clear that nothing is guaranteed.
Further, Jersey City Acting Business Administrator Peter Horton told the City Council at last week’s meeting that the state would have total fiscal control until they stop receiving state aid, which he said must be applied for annually.
“They would have override power over everything in the city. They could veto everything,” he said during questioning at Wednesday’s regular council session.
Let me get is straight: Guy wants to save taxpayers’ money by dumping their money on illegal aliens who gave no right to be here to begin with? Talking priorities.
How much?
Why?
Am I missing something?
If the previous mayor of Jersey city was to be investigated, that would help the moral! We the tax payers need to see accounts polity. It is malfeasance at best, fraud at worst. The issue remains and we need to know there is accountability for everyone!