Jersey City Council unanimously approves a $724 million budget featuring a 1.93% tax increase and significant funding for public safety. Discussions reveal concerns about transparency and unresolved issues within the Public Safety Department.
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- Jersey City Council unanimously approves a preliminary budget of $724 million with a 1.9% tax increase.
- Major allocation includes $214 million for the Department of Public Safety, funding 30 new 911 dispatch positions.
- Concerns about transparency and unanswered questions persist, particularly regarding public safety funding and operational clarity.
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Council Votes for Budget with Better Public Safety Funding
The Jersey City Council, in a decisive 8-0 vote, sanctioned the preliminary budget of $724,219,250.40, introducing a 1.9 percent increase in taxes.
This decision came after rigorous discussion in the council’s recent meetings.
The largest portion of the budget, nearly 30%, amounting to $214,421,922, is earmarked for the Department of Public Safety.
This year’s budget includes an adjustment to accommodate the salaries of 30 new 911 dispatchers, totaling $6,731,557, up from last year’s $5,877,573.
Persistent Transparency Concerns Surface Ahead of Vote
Transparency issues were a focal point of discussions before the budget vote. At the caucus meeting preceding the vote, concerns were voiced about the opacity of financial dealings, particularly within the Department of Public Safety.
Despite these concerns, the council approved the budget without any dissent. Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore highlighted ongoing issues related to financial clarity, emphasizing the department heads’ need for more detailed explanations on fiscal matters.
Discussion on Budget and Public Safety Operations
During the meeting, various council members sought clarity on different aspects of the budget and public operations.
Assistant Business Administrator Peter Horton and Finance Director Carmen Gandulla were key figures responding to the council’s inquiries.
The discussion also touched on the handling of grant money and the reimbursement processes, which Gilmore found confusing, highlighting a particular instance involving a grant of $839,000, where only $500,000 was used, leading to reimbursement complexities.
Councilman Rich Boggiano expressed frustration over the state of the 911 emergency service and the Parking Authority, fearing degrading services could lead to privatization.
He and other council members, such as Mira Prinz-Arey and Council President Joyce Watterman, voiced frustrations over the lack of prompt responses from department directors, which they felt hindered their ability to effectively address constituents’ concerns.
Upcoming Budget Review and Commitment to Transparency
The council plans to continue discussing the budget, with a detailed budget hearing scheduled for June 12th.
Meanwhile, the administrative body assured that they would work on providing the needed clarifications and improving communication with the council to ensure smoother operational transparency in the future.
