Local Taxes

[duke_of_earl]

And now we still have a $15 million hole in the budget:

At least 15.  You can bet more will show up.

[Woodsy]

And now we still have a $15 million hole in the budget:

With New $15 Million Hole in 2011 Budget, Jersey City Says it’s Turning to ‘Plan B’
By Matt Hunger • Sep 15th, 2011

Although the $15 million land deal that would have brought Jersey City the tri-state area’s first proton therapy cancer treatment center is now off the table, and the 2011 budget hearing scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed for another two weeks, the Healy administration insists everything is under control, with business administrator Jack Kelly assuring the public that the city’s “Plan B” will fill the $15 million hole without a property tax increase.

The land deal fell apart late yesterday, just hours before the City Council was hoping to pass the city’s 2011 budget, immediately throwing the spending plan — which had included the $15 million in projected revenue from this sale — into question. But the administration quickly followed the news of the deal’s demise with a promise that the city would move a budget forward “with no tax increase.”

“We have been working on a Plan B for some time in the event that this deal was not finalized for this year’s budget, and have identified additional revenue sources and areas where cuts can be made,” Kelly said in a statement released yesterday afternoon. “We have been able to realize additional revenues that were not readily apparent earlier in the year and conservative revenue estimates have proved just that, conservative. Items such as PILOT [Payments in Lieu of Taxes, from abatements] revenues, receipts from delinquent taxes and hotel tax revenues have been realized above initial projections.” more

[MCA™]

Jersey City will require 1,700 retirees to switch health benefits unless they pay extra; City Council passes ordinance 5 to 4
Published: Thursday, September 01, 2011, 5:48 AM
Updated: Thursday, September 01, 2011, 5:48 AM
By Kate Kowsh/The Jersey Journal

Jersey City retirees will be required to switch health benefits unless they pay extra, under an ordinance that was adopted by the City Council yesterday despite vehement opposition from labor unions.

Adopted by a 5-4 vote, which brought Councilman David Donnelly near tears as he voted in favor, the ordinance stands to save the city roughly $3 million annually and will affect 1,700 retirees, according to a city official. Council members Nidia Lopez, Steven Fulop, Viola Richardson and Kalimah Ahmad voted against making the switch.

Retirees will be moved on Oct. 1 from their traditional plan to a direct access plan that, among other things, places a cap on what the plan will pay medical providers for their services. Retirees will be given the option to retain the traditional plan and pay the difference in premium cost, according to a city official.

Councilman Michael Sottolano said he’s confident retirees will not see a decline in care as a result of the changes.

“As a retiree with 36 years of service, I would not vote for something that I thought would create harm for me or my wife,” Sottolano said before voting to adopt the ordinance.

Joseph W. Krajnik, president of the Uniformed Firefighter Association of Jersey City, called for the city to look for other ways to find alternate savings instead of forcing retirees to switch health plans.

“We want the traditional plan in place for our retirees,” he declared. “Why are we panicking the retirees who now are on heart-attack medicine?”

[MCA™]

Jersey City Councilman Steve Fulop's three reform ordinances pass on fourth try
Published: Thursday, September 01, 2011, 3:00 AM
By Kate Kowsh/The Jersey Journal

The Jersey City City Council yesterday adopted three ordinances that Councilman Steve Fulop had tried and failed to garner support for in the past, although Mayor Jerramiah Healy believes at least one of the measures may not be legal.

The ordinances will require city seals to be placed on all non-emergency city vehicles, and strip health benefits from Jersey City Incinerator Authority and Municipal Utilities Authority board members.

The measure regarding city vehicles was adopted with a 5-4 vote, with Councilmen Ray Velazquez, Michael Sottolano, Peter Brennan and Bill Gaughan voting against. Healy, in a statement released after the meeting, said the ordinance is “under review.” The administration’s legal team ruled that the ordinance reaches beyond the scope of the City Council’s authority, he said.

“We know that this action is not a legislative prerogative, but rather an executive prerogative,” he said.

Fulop cheered the vote, saying his “persistence” paid off.

Explaining his opposition, Velazquez said he had trouble “entertaining an ordinance that violates the law,” and pointed to Hudson County’s model of phasing out the use of vehicles as a viable alternative.

The ordinance to strip health benefits from MUA board members was adopted 8-0, with Gaughan abstaining, and the JCIA ordinance by a vote of 8 to 1, with Gaughan voting no. Gaughan’s daughter, Eileen, is chairwoman of the MUA board.

The JCIA and MUA measures stand to save taxpayers $70,000, a city official said. MUA and JCIA board members are not paid, but receive benefits they contribute to partially.

Fulop first attempted to introduce all three ordinances in February 2010, but no other member of the City Council would second them. “After four times, we finally got it through,” Fulop said after the meeting. “It shouldn’t have to be such labor to get people to do the right thing.”

[MCA™]

Jersey City Council advances Steven Fulop's measure to cut benefits
Published: Thursday, August 11, 2011, 12:00 AM
Updated: Thursday, August 11, 2011, 12:05 AM
By Terrence T. McDonald/The Jersey Journal

Three proposals pushed by Jersey City Councilman Steven Fulop cleared a procedural hurdle last night. The measures voted down on three previous occasions would place city seals on all non-emergency city vehicles and strip health benefits from some city board members.

The ordinances to strip health benefits from board members at the Municipal Utilities Authority and Jersey City Incinerator Authority board members were introduced unanimously.

The ordinance to place a city seal on all non-emergency city vehicles, was introduced 7-1, with Councilman Ray Velazquez voting “no.” Councilman Bill Gaughan was absent.

The measures all require a second vote for adoption.

[MCA™]

Jersey City Councilman Steve Fulop will try for 4th time to mandate all city vehicles to have municipal seal, eliminate health benefits for appointees of two city boards
Published: Friday, August 05, 2011, 9:04 AM
Updated: Friday, August 05, 2011, 9:11 AM
Terrence T. McDonald/The Jersey Journal

Jersey City Councilman Steve Fulop will try for the fourth time to mandate the addition of the city seal to all non-emergency city vehicles, and to eliminate health benefits for appointees of two city boards.

Claiming the measures would increase transparency and end political patronage, Fulop first attempted to introduce the ordinances in February 2010, but no other member of the City Council would second them. Another attempt the following month also failed, as did a third try in November.

His repeated attempts resulted in an ordinance that was adopted in March 2010 that prohibits council members from reintroducing failed measures for a six-month period. Fulop, a 2013 mayoral hopeful, vowed then to reintroduce the measures every six months until the next municipal election.

The healthcare measure, which Fulop intends to reintroduce at Wednesday's meeting, would strip benefits from board members at the Municipal Utilities Authority and the Jersey City Incinerator Authority. Members currently receive health benefits but no salary for their part-time gigs.

"The elimination of taxpayer-funded patronage healthcare for political friends will save serious money, and placing decals on the cars will ensure that taxpayers can start to question when they see their taxpayer cars used for personal use at the Jersey Shore," Fulop said in a statement.

Mayor Jerramiah Healy responded by saying his administration removed dependents from the board members' health plan and now requires board members to contribute 20 percent toward their health insurance premiums.

"Since last spring, we have also been asking any new appointees to serve without the benefits, to which they have agreed," Healy said.

[duke_of_earl]

Brennan said yesterday that the cost of removing snow from city streets since the recent blizzard will likely put the city in debt "another million dollars."

Strange, I would think the savings from the lack of snow removal would help get the city out of debt....

Sarcasm aside, this should be an expected cost.  Snow is removed every year.

duke

[MCA™]

Jersey City council passes temporary budget for first three months of year as administration says it looks for more costs to cut
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
By MICHAELANGELO CONTE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

The Jersey City City Council passed a temporary municipal operating budget of $170 million yesterday to make ends meet through the first three months of the year. The city has switched from a fiscal year to a calendar year and city officials promised a complete budget in the next several months.

"It's going to be a tough year," Council President Peter Brennan said yesterday.

City Business Administrator Jack Kelly said his office has been meeting with the heads of various city departments to gather information and locate potential savings. He said he hopes to provide the City Council with preliminary figures for a complete budget in March.

"We are trying to reduce the size of government, and there are fewer people working for the city today than there were last year," Kelly said, adding that more cuts are expected. "But we will always be considerate of our citizens' health, safety and welfare."

Proposed cuts have already caused friction between city police officers and Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy. Layoff notices were sent to 82 police officers last week. A number of superior officers were sent demotion notices.

On Dec. 2, about 200 police officers picketed outside a fundraising event for Healy at Puccini's Restaurant, yelling "Shame on you!" as he arrived. The state has cut municipal aid to Jersey City by $28 million. Urban Enterprise Zone funding was also cut by the state.

Brennan said yesterday that the cost of removing snow from city streets since the recent blizzard will likely put the city in debt "another million dollars."

[propscene]

The police also suggested the city consider tasteful private sponsorships for patrol cars and police districts, something other departments in the state have done to offset costs.

The Dunkin Donutmobile and Hootercraft jokes are fairly low-hanging fruit.

[MCA™]

Temporarily, at least.


Cops and Jersey City meet on contract, but city sends layoff plan to Trenton 'with heavy hearts'
Published: Friday, December 03, 2010, 8:15 PM
Updated: Friday, December 03, 2010, 9:06 PM
Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal

Top Jersey City officials met with ranking police union members today, but there wasn't enough progress to stop the city from sending a plan that would layoff 82 officers and seven civilians to the state.

"Fiscal and economic realities have forced us to take this step, and we do so with heavy hearts and as a last resort," said Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy. "However, I am still hopeful that we can reach an agreement with the union to prevent these layoffs from taking effect."

Healy sent the plan to the state Civil Service Commission at 5 p.m. today. The plan also calls for the demotion of two captains, four lieutenants and six sergeants.

Jersey City Police Officer Benevolent Association President Jerry DeCicco said he and members of the police supervisors union met with Business Administrator John "Jack" Kelly and submitted 21 cost-saving proposals.

The city again asked for the same concessions, a "pay lag" that would save the city $3.4 million and a one-time give back of the $1,300 annual uniform allowance.

DeCicco said the union has suggested the city increase the fees it collects from developers who hire off-duty police officers at construction sites. The city collects $5 an hour per officer, which DeCicco said it probably the lowest in the state.

The police also suggested the city consider tasteful private sponsorships for patrol cars and police districts, something other departments in the state have done to offset costs.

"Deep down in Healy's heart, I know he doesn't want to do this, however, today is the day that him and Jack Kelly have welcomed violent crime back to Jersey City and will leave the citizens extremely vulnerable," DeCicco said. DeCicco said Kelly seemed receptive to some of the union's suggestions and that his attorney plans to review the city's proposal.

The layoffs would come on top of the department losing 63 officers to retirement this year. There are 829 officers on the force, with about 90 eligible to retire, DeCicco said.

The union's tone today was more positive and subdued than last night when about 300 police officers from Jersey City and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey protested outside Puccini's, where Healy was holding a fundraiser.

Healy hasn't yet announced whether or not he will seek reelection in 2013, but tickets to his event were $300 for the VIP package and $125 for standard admission.
DeCicco, like Healy, is hopeful a deal can be reached. "We will work with them to avert these layoffs," he said.

[MCA™]

Protests work, apparently.


Jersey City police officers angry at mayor over plan for layoffs march and yell at him outside his fundraiser
Friday, December 03, 2010
By MICHAELANGELO CONTE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy received a loud and rude welcome last night as he stepped out of a car to attend his fundraiser at Puccini's Restaurant on West Side Avenue.

Roughly 200 Jersey City police officers, angry over Healy's talk of layoffs and multimillion-dollar union givebacks, had gathered in front the catering house to give the mayor and his supporters a piece of their mind.

When Healy was dropped off at the steps of Puccini's the crowd booed, yelled "Shame on you!" and pressed in on him.

Before Healy got there, the cops marched up West Side Avenue toting signs that read, "Healy is anti-labor," "Fire the cronies, save the cops," "Healy lies," and "Save the city, stop police layoffs."

Bagpipers from the Port Authority Police Department led the protesters and the PAPD also set up a comfort station serving piping hot coffee. Two huge inflatable rats, symbols of anti-union activity, were set up right outside the catering facility, located at Broadway and West Side Avenue.

The protest snarled traffic at the intersection, where car horns blared in support of the Police Officer Benevolent Association members.

On Wednesday, Healy announced his intention to submit plans in Trenton to lay off 82 police officers and demote 12 superior officers.

Yesterday, he said he was holding off on those plans in light of an encouraging meeting with union officials at City Hall late Wednesday.

--

Jersey City decides not to send police layoff plan to Trenton as union and mayor vow to resume negotiations to cut costs
Friday, December 03, 2010
By MICHAELANGELO CONTE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy held off yesterday on filing a plan in Trenton to lay off 82 police officers and demote 12 superior officers in hopes the city's rank-and-file police union and his administration can strike a deal on concessions.

On Wednesday night, Healy announced his intention to file the layoff plan with the state yesterday. But after he made that announcement, police union officials showed up at City Hall and the mayor and the union honchos apparently bridged some differences.
 
Healy yesterday attributed the divide that nearly led to the submission of the layoff plan to a failure to communicate.

"The union guys told me that they didn't get all the information, but they did tell me (that) with all the information they have now, they want an opportunity to sit down, eyeball it, and see if we can come to some consensus," Healy said yesterday. "I am absolutely open and hopeful we can do it."

Healy reiterated yesterday that the city wants to institute a "pay lag" with the union that would save the city about $3.4 million and he wants the officers to agree to a one-time give-back of the $1,300 annual uniform allowance for a savings of $1.2 million.

The "pay lag" would essentially mean that officers would be owed a week's pay that they would receive upon retirement, officials said.

The mayor said the administration and police brass found cuts and revenue sources that would save another $2.4 million.

Healy said the concessions by POBA members, combined with efforts by the department to cut costs and find revenues, would avert layoffs completely. He seemed surprised the deal hadn't been accepted by the union.

POBA President Jerry DeCicco said yesterday that the union had not been informed of the mayor's proposal before he announced it to the media Wednesday night. He said the union was still operating on a written proposal made by the city before Thanksgiving that demanded six concessions for a savings of $8 million.

"We had no knowledge they were going to announce anything like that, and there is a little mistrust right now," DeCicco said. "There has to be an iron clad guarantee that not a single police officer will get laid off if we are to consider his new proposal. He owes that to residents, and he owes it to police."

DeCicco said he plans to meet with city officials for talks today but noted that the layoff process will take a month or two and there is plenty of time to negotiate.

Once notified, Trenton has 30 days to approve a layoff plan. The city would then have to provide 45 days notice to the workers being laid off.

[MCA™]

Jersey City mayor says police union is balking at 2 fiscal maneuvers so he's asking state to approve plan to lay off 82 cops and demote 12 senior officers
Thursday, December 02, 2010
By BRETT WILSHE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Saying that negotiations to wring $8 million worth of concessions out of Jersey City's rank-and-file police union collapsed yesterday, Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy says that he is submitting plans to Trenton today to lay off 82 cops and demote 12 superior officers.

"I loathe to do this. The police do a terrific job," Healy said last night at City Hall. "But the unions want to open up the contract and go through the whole thing. There's no time for that."

Healy said that proposals put before the leaders of the Jersey City Police Officers Benevolent Association include a "pay lag" that would save the city roughly $3.4 million - and cost the officers nothing, according to Healy - and a one-time give-back of the officers' $1,300 annual uniform allowance that would save an additional $1.2 million.

Jerry DeCicco, president of the POBA, blasted the administration's actions and said it was a misnomer to call what occurred between city officials and the union "negotiations."

"It really wasn't a negotiation. It was more of a dictatorship," DeCicco said yesterday. "Either you take $8 million in concessions, or we'll lay off 100 cops. That's not how a democratic system works."

DeCicco, whose union represents roughly 700 rank-and-file officers, said the administration's so-called "pay lag" amounts to a week's less pay for his members over the course of the year.

City officials said yesterday that they want to put police officers on the same pay cycle as other city workers. The adjustment would save the city one police payroll during the fiscal year and the cops wouldn't lose money since they would be paid in the following fiscal year, city officials said.

Part of the layoff plan includes the demotion of two captains, four lieutenants, and six sergeants. Officials with the Jersey City Police Superiors Officers Association declined to comment yesterday.

Even if his union agreed to the proposed concessions, there is no assurance jobs would be saved, DeCicco said. "We're dealing with a dishonest administration, they won't even guarantee in writing that these concessions will save jobs," DeCicco said. "They cannot be trusted."

Healy said last night he still hopes to work out a deal with the union to avoid layoffs and after plans are submitted to the state, the parties still have 45 days to reach an agreement.

"You know, this is real simple. Every employee of Jersey City is taking a hit, but we can't furlough public safety employees due to state law," Healy said.

"Sixty-seven percent of the city's budget goes to public safety employees, including something to the tune of $93 million for their salaries. I think it's perfectly reasonable," he said.

[MCA™]

Jersey City mayor and police chief looking to cut police budget by $8 million, but hope to avoid layoffs
Friday, October 29, 2010
By MELISSA HAYES
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Jersey City Police Chief Tom Comey is trying to cut $8 million from his budget without laying off police. But achieving that, which would involve winning concessions from the union to avert layoffs, won't be easy.

"I'm trying to make the appropriate cuts. The last thing I want to do is lay off a police officer," Comey said yesterday. "I believe if I work with the union and make some tough decisions in other areas of the budget, I believe I can get to the $8 million."

Comey met with members of the Police Officers Benevolent Association this week after Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy directed him last week to reduce his $93 million budget by about 8.6 percent.

Union president Jerry DeCicco said he's fearful the cuts could mean the layoffs of 80 young officers, most of whom work the night shift.

DeCicco and other union members said Healy made a statement while appearing on Capital Hot Seat on News 12 last week that the force could get down to 750 people. There are 830 police officers currently working for the department, down from 1,000 when Comey joined the force in 1981.

But city spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said Healy was speaking about the possibility of mass retirements due to reforms in Trenton, which include capping payouts for unused sick and compensatory time at $15,000 for retirees. Jersey City has paid out millions in unused time over the past 18 months. In that time, about 75 police officers have retired.

Morrill said Healy is meeting with every department to discuss cuts in preparation for the 2011 calendar year budget.

"Chief Comey has developed a number of proposals, including potential givebacks from the unions, that if approved could cut close to $7 million from the budget," she said. "If these savings could be achieved, we could avoid the painful prospect of layoffs in the Police Department."

Comey is among 90 police officers who are eligible to retire and could leave at any time.

"Through attrition we would begin to have significant issues when we hit the number between 750 and 760; that's when we would then have to prioritize and there would become a situation where we wouldn't answer low-priority calls for an extended period of time," he said, adding he hopes to avoid that situation.

DeCicco said union members may not be willing to give up their hard-fought raises, adding: "It would be anarchy if you lose 80 frontline officers on the streets."

The City Council rejected an initial contract that would have granted 3 to 3.5 percent increases to officers annually. A second contract was approved with 2.75 percent annual increases and the union gave up the traditional health care plan, saving the city millions.

DeCicco said the city is now trying to get a "third bite at the apple" by wiping out raises for 2011 and 2012 or threatening layoffs.

"It's a very difficult thing to ask our members to reopen a contract," he said. "How do you do that after we've already sacrificed with concessions on health care and the total percentage of the contract."

See also: Budget cuts at Jersey City Police Department might mean freeze on hiring cops

[MCA™]

Jersey City Council adopts $97 million transition year budget
Published: Wednesday, September 29, 2010, 9:02 PM
Updated: Wednesday, September 29, 2010, 9:02 PM
Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal

After a lengthy public hearing and debate over Jersey City library funding, the City Council tonight adopted a six-month transition year budget that would raises taxes about 10 percent for the average home owner. The $97.15 million budget, which covers July 1 to Dec. 31 while the city transitions from a fiscal year to calendar year cycle, passed 7-1.

Ward E Councilman Steven Fulop cast the lone no vote saying the budget increased taxes, didn’t fund essential services and deferred the city’s $80 million deficit. “There’s no reason to support something like this,” he said.

Ward B Councilman David Donnelly and Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson also took issue with the budget not giving the library enough money to prevent three branches from closing, but voted for it saying it had to be to the state tomorrow.

Fulop and Richardson made a motion on Donnelly’s suggestion to amend the budget to include $100,000 more for the library, but City Clerk Robert Byrne said such an amendment would have prevented the adoption. If the budget does not get to the state tomorrow by 10 a.m., the city would not be able to send out tax bills and would have had to bond in the interim.

After lengthy debate Business Administrator John “Jack” Kelly said the library may be able to use surplus and could renegotiate its leases on the West Bergen, Marion and Lafayette branches, which it rents. He said if the library still needs money to keep the branches open, the council could make line-item transfers next month.

Donnelly demanded that the council meet with the library board and administration before Oct. 15 to get information on the budget. Council President Peter Brennan said the council has to make cuts in order to close the budget gap and more than the library is being impacted. “We have to make some tough decisions here, you want us to make tough decisions and we have to stick to those tough decisions,” he said. “No body talks about the 150 police and fire who retired, we can’t hire them back. No body talks about that.”

He said raising taxes is unfair to residents like Yvonne Balcer who spoke during the hearing and said homeowners like herself were hit with a 23 percent tax hike during the 2010 fiscal year and are facing 10 percent during the six-month transition.

Officials have said the average homeowner would pay about $20 more a quarter under this budget.

“I’m really, really annoyed,” Balcer said. “Thirty-three percent is a lot, it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

[fasteddie]

Another $720 of MY FUCKING TAX DOLLARS!!!!!!!!!

Jersey City council adopts temporary budget, levy that raise taxes
Published: Thursday, July 01, 2010, 2:44 PM     Updated: Thursday, July 01, 2010, 6:03 PM

The average Jersey City homeowner can expect to pay $720 more in taxes this year despite the City Council striking a lower tax levy than originally proposed.

That figure is for the 2010 calendar year and includes increases in school and county taxes as well, officials said.

The City Council adopted a $200 million preliminary municipal tax levy during a meeting this morning. The administration sought $220 million, but Councilman Michael Sottolano said it was too high and made a motion to reduce it.

Sottolano, a member of the council’s Budget Committee, said no one likes to raise taxes and furloughs and layoffs are to be expected.

“Hopefully we can come up with a reasonable solution to have the impact on our taxpayers as minimal as possible,” he said.

Business Administrator John Kelly warned that the city is facing a $56 million budget deficit, $30 million of which is he attributed to state aid cuts.

“There’s currently a large mismatch in budgeting and expenses,” he said.

But City Council members said they wanted to send a message to the administration that taxes can’t keep increasing. Kelly said he got the message.

“You are laying out the framework and the policy to shrink the size of government,” he said. “It will be a clear message.”

Sottolano’s proposed levy, which passed 5 to 3, is $15 million over the last fiscal year’s.
Councilwoman Viola Richardson and Nidia Lopez voted against the levy along with Councilman David Donnelly. Councilman Steven Fulop was absent.

Richardson asked how the levy would impact taxpayers and Kelly said it would increase $720 for a home assessed at $100,000.

“I think we’ve been playing around long enough and we need to cut where we need to cut and stop talking about these little people we’re laying off, $2 million that doesn’t count,” Richardson said. “We need to talk about doing some real serious things in our budget and it’s going to be things that are unacceptable to a lot of people.”

The city laid-off 278 seasonal and provisional employees in February, which saved about $2 million. With the exception of police and firefighters city employees took 12 unpaid furlough days between December and June.

Councilman Mariano Vega voted for the levy saying he didn’t want to see city government shut down, a possibility if the measure didn’t pass. But he warned that $200 million is high and the city should brace for cuts.

“The size of government is too big and we’re serious about reducing it,” he said.
Vega warned that police and fire will not be immune as they were from the furloughs last year.

“We’ll have to have a reduction in force,” he said.

Councilman Bill Gaughan, a Budget Committee member, asked the administration to develop a plan by September.

Council President Peter Brennanwho is also on the committee, said the Budget Committee would be meeting within two weeks.

“We have some major, major issues ahead of us,” he said. “The administration knows thi, they knew this six months ago and here we are. We’re going to be known as the tax council. I’m not happy about this.”

The council also adopted a 2011 temporary budget in a 6 to 2 vote, allocating $61.5 million for debt service and $106.6 million for operating expenses.

[nugnfutz]

I attended the Hudson county hearing of my tax appeal last week. It was actually a fairly pleasant experience. They cut my property tax bill by over 1/3rd. There were 4 people ahead of me in line and everyone left fairly happy with their result, even if they hadn't completed their paperwork correctly.

The appeal hearing was a fairly informal process - nothing like a trial. A county rep, a city rep and myself, sat around a table, discussed the appeal details on the form. They made an offer, and we settled it very quickly. For a lot of people ahead of me in line, they had already agreed settlements with people in the same apartment/condo blocks - so had a preprepared offer. My case was a little more complex since they had no direct comparables, but they came up with an offer that, while not perfect, was acceptable. They also recommended that I appeal again in 2011 if property values continue to fall.

Some interesting info from the hearing:
- The Jersey City assessors at City Hall welcome visitors with any property queries and are happy to help anyone fill in the appeal forms correctly. I found this to be true over email - they were very helpful and not at all confrontational.
- the folks at the appeal hearing said the appeal agreement was valid for 3 years or until the City-wide reassessment happens.
- They think the City-wide reassessment may take 3-5 years.

Based on this experience, I'd recommend that every property owner to check zillow, easytaxfix and hudsoncountytax next Feb, and put in an appeal if they think they are over-taxed. And kudos to the folks in the City and County appraisal offices - I think they have done a very professional job when they're representing something very objectionable to most residents.

[MCA™]

Developers to pay Jersey City thousands more on abatement deals
Published: Thursday, June 10, 2010, 6:29 PM
Updated: Thursday, June 10, 2010, 6:41 PM
Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal

Jersey City has reached an agreement with four waterfront developers that will bring nearly $500,000 more annually in abatement payments. The city also negotiated a settlement of nearly $1 million in back payments for the past two years.

The agreement impacts Plaza X Urban Renewal Associates LLC, Cal Harbor So. Pier Urban Renewal Associates, Cal Harbor V Urban Renewal Associates and Cal Harbor VII Urban Renewal Associates.

The abatements are for the Hyatt Regency, Mack-Cali and Schwab buildings and one of the Harborside buildings in Downtown Jersey City.

Corporation Counsel Bill Matsikoudis said the developers have a rare abatement, which is calculated on the total project cost instead of the gross revenue.

For years the city and developers have debated the total project cost and the city hired Sax, Macy, Fromm and Co. accountants to conduct and audit. "The principle disparity was focused on two elements of cost, real estate commissions and construction costs," Matsikoudis wrote in a memo to the City Council.

The developers based the total cost on estimates presented during the abatement and argued that real estate commissioners should not be included because they were "in house" costs.

Matsikoudis and Brian O'Reilly, the city's outgoing business administrator who is serving in a transitional capacity, worked on the settlement for years and said it would have been hard to prove in court that commissions were part of the project cost. "This is something I think very good and not insignificant," Matsikoudis said at Monday's caucus meeting.

The city council voted 8-0 Wednesday to accept the audit and new abatement costs. Councilman David Donnelly, who is on his honeymoon, was absent.

The agreement calls for the developers to pay a combined $485,000 more annually, an increase of 8.5 percent in the gross annual service charge. Plaza X will pay $125,000 and the Cal Harbors combined would pay $360,000 more for the remainder of their abatements.

Matsikoudis said the amendment would bring in more than $5 million more over the life of the abatements, three of which expire in 12 years. The Hyatt abatement expires in seven years. In addition, the developers will pay a combined $970,000 in back payments.

Councilman Michael Sottolano questioned why the city didn't seek more in back payments. "Frankly, it was the best we could do," Matsikoudis said.

[nugnfutz]

I keep linking it. If you want an idea of where your taxes will end up after the reval, check out http://www.easytaxfix.com/. Tbh it will probably hit longer-term residents harder than newer residents.

[MCA™]

Afraid of the reval
Residents concerned, angry about city effort to reassess homes
by Ricardo Kaulessar
Reporter Staff Writer
May 16, 2010

It’s two weeks into May, and along with their tax bills for the second quarter, Jersey City homeowners got a brochure explaining that the town will soon reassess their property values for the first time in 22 years – meaning they may have to pay higher taxes starting in 2013.

The revaluation is an appraisal of all real estate in the city to determine its value for taxation. The expectation is that properties will be appraised at or near their current market value.

Since the city has not conducted a revaluation since 1988, and because property values have increased dramatically since then, people with homes that are worth more may have to pay higher taxes. Others may pay less, and others may pay the same. The uncertainty of the outcome is what has property owners worried.

Usually, the stated goal of revaluation is to spread the tax burden more evenly among all property owners. The process may take 18 months. The new assessment value will be applied to tax bills starting on Jan. 1, 2013. The revaluation is already making residents nervous and angry about their future taxes.

‘Disproportionally affected’
Funmilayo Brown and husband Michael live on Fourth Street in downtown Jersey City in a home her husband purchased in 2000. Brown, whose background is in financial analysis, is now a stay-at-home mom taking care of the couple’s 10-month old daughter.

Brown said when the tax bill and the reval brochure arrived at her house, she had already received her mortgage bill, which includes their taxes, which are about $13,000 per year. Brown said she wished the city would not go through with the reval.

“I was upset because our property taxes have already gone up, about $300 more a month, which is ridiculous,” Brown said. “Now, I am worried about how much more we are going to have to pay with the coming reval.”

Brown feels downtown Jersey City residents are already bearing most of the tax burden in the city, saying they are “disproportionally affected.”  “What services are we getting for such high taxes, like $13,000 a year?” Brown said. “Are you coming into my house to take out my garbage?

Not everyone pays
A 25-year downtown resident, who didn’t want his name used, said last week that he took issue with the city doing the reval because he remembered his taxes “more than doubled” after the 1988 revaluation. He also is irritated that condos whose developers got tax abatement agreements from the city will be not be included in the reval, since the properties are exempted from conventional taxation.

Jersey City has an estimated 160 properties under tax abatements, an arrangement in which the developer or property owner makes an annual payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) that is a negotiated percentage of their annual revenue. The properties pay the money directly to the city, and there is no separate levy for schools or county taxes. Residents of those buildings aren’t subject to fluctuating property taxes.

The city, in information about the reval on its website, says that abated properties will be subjected to the same process when their abatements expire – but the expiration sometimes takes up to 40 years.

The resident was unimpressed. “The operative words are, ‘When they go off their abatement,’ ” the unnamed resident said. “These abatements are for 20-30 years.” And he is not the only one who feels this way about abated properties finding immunity from the reval process.

John Seborowski, a homeowner in the Jersey City Heights for about 30 years, said recently that he doesn’t see million dollar developments with abatements such as the 77 Hudson St. residential building taking a hit from the reval, while the regular homeowner will have to suffer. “Where’s the fairness in all this?” Seborowski said.

Making an appeal
Barbara Meise owns two four-story buildings on Montgomery Street in downtown Jersey City, across the street from City Hall. Meise, a well-respected artist known for her window restoration work business, Artbuilders, said she was “outraged” by the city’s pursuit of a revaluation. “I pay $10,000 in taxes a year for each building, and who knows if this reval won’t lead to me paying more?” Meise said.

But Meise said she is not going to panic. Instead, she will wait for the assessment and probably file a tax appeal. Homeowners who disagree with their new assessment can appeal it with the Hudson County Board of Taxation, which Meise has done successfully three times in past years.

[nugnfutz]

That Nidia Lopez is turning out to be a pistol, huh?

Ward C Councilwoman Nidia Lopez voted against them, saying she didn't feel it was fair to give raises to employees making between $56,000 and $136,000 while laying off other city workers.

It's easy to be right when it really doesn't matter.

[Binky]

That Nidia Lopez is turning out to be a pistol, huh?

S'pose that has to do with the lenient gun laws in FL?

[bdlaw]

That Nidia Lopez is turning out to be a pistol, huh?

[MCA™]

Jersey City approves contracts with three unions after raises are reduced to 2.75 percent for each of four years
Friday, May 14, 2010
By MELISSA HAYES
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Jersey City's police officers, firefighters and fire officers will receive 2.75 percent annual raises over four years under contracts approved by the City Council. The contracts are retroactive to last year and expire in 2012. The City Council voted 7-1 in favor of the contracts.

Ward C Councilwoman Nidia Lopez voted against them, saying she didn't feel it was fair to give raises to employees making between $56,000 and $136,000 while laying off other city workers. Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson, whose daughter is ill, was absent.

Wednesday's meeting was a stark contrast to last month's council gathering, when hundreds of union members packed the council chambers to back contracts that called for annual raises ranging from 3 to 3.5 percent. In an 8-1 vote last month, the council voted the contracts down, with Councilman Mariano Vega Jr. casting the lone "yes" vote.

On Wednesday, only a handful of union members attended. There was no applause when the contracts passed.

"I think it's a relief for everybody," said Joseph Krajnik, president of the firefighters union, adding it was difficult for union members to give up the traditional health care plan, a change that will save the city $5.3 million annually, city officials said.

On the road participating in the Police Unity Bike Tour to Washington, D.C., a fund-raiser to raise money for the families of fallen officers, Police Officers Benevolent Association President Jerry DeCicco said council members should have signed off on the agreement that was put before them last month.

"Are we happy that the City Council doesn't honor collective bargaining agreements? No. Are we happy that this administration doesn't support the police officers? No. Are we happy that we had to relinquish our traditional health care plan? No," DeCicco said.

By approving the contracts before May 21, union members will not have to contribute 1.5 percent of their salaries toward healthcare benefits, a measure signed by Gov. Chris Christie that goes into effect on that date.

The police supervisors union contract is in arbitration.

---

Jersey City approves contracts with unions for boiler operators and public works employees that change their health plans
Friday, May 14, 2010

The Jersey City City Council approved contracts with two of the city's civilian unions Wednesday.

The contracts are with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 68-68A, which represents five boiler operators, and Jersey City Public Employees Local 245, which represents the city's public works employees.

Both unions are giving up the traditional health care plan and paying mail order prescription co-pays. The boiler operators will get a $1,000 payment for the change in health benefits.

The salary for chief stationary engineers will be $51,080 for fiscal year 2010, $52,380 for fiscal year 2011, and $53,680 for fiscal year 2012.

Stationary firemen and engineers will be paid $48,355 for fiscal year 2010, $49,655 for fiscal year 2011, and $50,955 for fiscal year 2012.

The shift differential rate for members working 3 p.m. to 7 a.m. will increase from 40 cents to 60 cents an hour.

Local 245 members will receive one-time payments of $2,000 for the health benefits change.

This contract calls for $1,000 retroactive salary increases in fiscal year 2009 and 2010. The union members are forgoing raises in the upcoming fiscal year.

[nugnfutz]

What I'd like the City to address is it's property tax system:

1. The City bases assessments and appeals primarily on property sq footage and comparative sales based on sq footage.
2. The City and County does not insist on property sales, nor new properties to declare sq footage on deeds, when it would be easy to do so.
3. The City/County NEVER tells people what the City thinks their property is worth. The assessed value on the City bill atm is 27% of property value. That's a shell game and not transparent government. They should make it very clear on the bill. Most people don't challenge City assessments, because they dont have a clue what the assessment means.

Sellers are allowed to hide sq footage, and those sales cannot be used as a basis for an appeal. That's plainly wrong. From what i have seen, when sq footage isn't recorded on the property card held with the County and City, the City tends to undervalue the property, and overvalue properties with sq footage listed. I'd like to see the playing field levelled asap. Think I posted this before too.

Also go to www.hudsoncountytax.com and search for your favorite pols. To me it says something about who lists their sq footage and who doesn't.

[gordonh]

It was disappointing to see the turnout last night. 

[fasteddie]

The Department of Administration, which includes the Mayor’s Office, City Clerk, City Council and Business Administrator, amounts to $21.14 million. Public Works has an $11.45 million budget, followed by Housing, Economic Development and Commerce with $6.5 million; Health and Human Services at $5.1 million; the Law Department at about $3.4 million; and Recreation Department at about $3.3 million. The city budged $63.5 million for group insurance costs. The city also pays $34.76 million to the Police and Fire Retirement System; $2.1 million to the Public Employee Retirement System; and $5.66 million to the municipal retirement system.

Why is the Dept. of Administration budget so high? It's more than the combined budgets of the other depts. that actually provide services. We really need to see the line items in these budgets. Not that we could do anything about them but it would be so entertaining to watch the public rant and fume over the more outrageous item costs.

[bdlaw]

Wait so the budget for the entire city is about $90 million LESS than the school budget?

[MCA™]

City Council adopts Jersey City budget, lessens tax hike
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
April 21, 2010, 9:30PM

Three City Council members criticized Jersey City’s $510 million budget before voting against it following a hearing that attracted far fewer angry residents than the previous one.

About 40 residents attended the meeting and several spoke about proposed budget amendments. The mood was far calmer than the initial budget hearing Feb. 24 where hundreds packed City Hall and angrily protested the looming tax hike.

Despite the complaints of Councilmen David Donnelly and Steven Fulop and Councilwoman Nidia Lopez, the budget for the fiscal year ending July 1 was adopted in a 5-3 vote tonight. Council President Peter Brennan, Councilmen Michael Sottolano, Mariano Vega and Bill Gaughan and Councilwoman Willie Flood voted for the budget. Councilwoman Viola Richardson was absent.

Before voting ‘no,’ Lopez said she met with department directors and reviewed the budget but didn’t like the numbers. “It did give me a sense of a lack of responsibility and leadership,” she said. “I look forward to having a more active role in the next budget if it’s introduced on time.”

The amended budget increases taxes by $572 for the owner of a home assessed at $100,000. The budget introduced in January would have increased taxes by about $800. “Tougher times are ahead,” Donnelly said before voting ‘no.’ “(Gov.) Chris Christie has already cut us $28 million. I am very fearful for the next year.”

Fulop echoed the concerns of several residents who spoke during the public hearing when he said the city cannot continue to operate on emergency appropriations and adopt budgets when most of the funds are expended. He said the city used one-time gimmicks to balance last year’s budget and should have anticipated a shortfall. “This isn’t rocket science why you end up in this situation,” he said. “To blame economic times and to blame Chris Christie and to blame anyone outside of this building, that’s being disingenuous.”

Resident Esther Wintner who has led a tax revolt group with resident John Lynch urged the council to press Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy to deliver a budget on time and refuse to approve temporary appropriations if he doesn't.

Sottolano, Brennan and Gaughan sat on the budget committee and pledged to begin work immediately on the coming fiscal year’s budget noting that it will be another tough year. The largest portion of the budget goes to public safety, $95.5 million to the Police Department and $66.3 million to fire and emergency services, not including benefits or pension payments. Although Vega was the loan council member to support the police and fire contracts last week, he said that the city will need to look at those budgets in the coming fiscal year.

The Department of Administration, which includes the Mayor’s Office, City Clerk, City Council and Business Administrator, amounts to $21.14 million. Public Works has an $11.45 million budget, followed by Housing, Economic Development and Commerce with $6.5 million; Health and Human Services at $5.1 million; the Law Department at about $3.4 million; and Recreation Department at about $3.3 million. The city budged $63.5 million for group insurance costs. The city also pays $34.76 million to the Police and Fire Retirement System; $2.1 million to the Public Employee Retirement System; and $5.66 million to the municipal retirement system.

Several residents questioned why accumulate absence funding was increased from $4.5 million to $8.4 million. Business Administrator Brian O’Reilly said that money has already been paid to retirees who accumulated unused sick and vacation time.

Resident Kevin McGuire asked the city to be more transparent and put a line-by-line budget on the its website. City Clerk Robert Byrne said he could have the introduced budget online soon. “I still have a vague feeling in the city there are still a lot of gimme jobs and a lot of no-show jobs,” McGuire said. “What are these people doing? That’s what we want to know now. That’s why you have to provide us with more specific information.”

[nugnfutz]

Jersey City residents plan to protest city budget
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
April 21, 2010, 2:23PM


Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly said the with the changes, the tax impact on the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 is down to a $590 increase.

Will it go back up to $800.00 now that the school tax levy was approved??

You're assuming the City knows what it's doing on taxes. It doesn't. Seriously. It approves the City budget long after its spent

[Isilme]

Jersey City residents plan to protest city budget
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
April 21, 2010, 2:23PM


Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly said the with the changes, the tax impact on the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 is down to a $590 increase.

Will it go back up to $800.00 now that the school tax levy was approved??

[MCA™]

Jersey City residents plan to protest city budget
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
April 21, 2010, 2:23PM

Calling it a "Tax Revolt" Jersey City residents are against planning to storm City Hall in protest of the proposed budget for the current fiscal year. The City Council is holding a hearing on budget amendments tonight.

When the budget was first introduced in January, city officials said the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 would pay about $800 more in city taxes during the fiscal year ending June 30. Hundreds of residents packed the Jan. 27 council meeting to protest the proposed tax hike and turned out again Feb. 24 for a public hearing on the budget.

The city administration however made several changes to the budget after that public hearing, including laying off nearly 280 part-time and seasonal employees and trimming departmental budgets. Because of those changes, the City Council must hold a hearing on the amendments before adopting the budget tonight.

Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly said the with the changes, the tax impact on the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 is down to a $590 increase.

[Woodsy]

Jersey Journal: 'Union members took particular issue when Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson, a city police officer who is working a county job while on disability from the department, voted against the contracts. “You’re off on disability collecting,” one man yelled while approaching the dais. “How many jobs do you work?”'

Really?  Where is the shame shame shame guy when you need him?!  I understand why the council voted the way they did but how can Richardson get away with being on disability from a full time job with the JCPD while working full time for the county and part time as a councilwoman?  This is disgusting!

Corrections
Friday, April 16, 2010
Jersey Journal

A story in yesterday's editions should have said that Jersey City Councilwoman Viola Richardson retired on permanent disability from the Police Department.

Wow, what a shitty reporting job.  Anyway, I take back my comments from yesterday.

[MCA™]

Jersey Journal: 'Union members took particular issue when Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson, a city police officer who is working a county job while on disability from the department, voted against the contracts. “You’re off on disability collecting,” one man yelled while approaching the dais. “How many jobs do you work?”'

Really?  Where is the shame shame shame guy when you need him?!  I understand why the council voted the way they did but how can Richardson get away with being on disability from a full time job with the JCPD while working full time for the county and part time as a councilwoman?  This is disgusting!

Corrections
Friday, April 16, 2010
Jersey Journal

A story in yesterday's editions should have said that Jersey City Councilwoman Viola Richardson retired on permanent disability from the Police Department.

[bdlaw]

“The savings, the taxation of the 1.5 (percent) is not for health benefits, it’s a tax on every municipal employee,” Krajnik yelled, his voice echoing. “It’s not for health benefits. It’s to offset the lack of the governor's intestinal fortitude to help municipalities in a time of need."

Riiiiiiiiight.  The state *HAS* the money, but Christie won't give it to you.

[bdlaw]

Viola Richardson is a cop?

Really?

Like sworn, creds and firearm?

[TheFang]

Jersey Journal: 'Union members took particular issue when Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson, a city police officer who is working a county job while on disability from the department, voted against the contracts. “You’re off on disability collecting,” one man yelled while approaching the dais. “How many jobs do you work?”'

Really?  Where is the shame shame shame guy when you need him?!  I understand why the council voted the way they did but how can Richardson get away with being on disability from a full time job with the JCPD while working full time for the county and part time as a councilwoman?  This is disgusting!

The best part of the whole thing is this:

Richardson responded by yelling, “Whatever,” several times into her microphone.

[Woodsy]

Jersey Journal: 'Union members took particular issue when Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson, a city police officer who is working a county job while on disability from the department, voted against the contracts. “You’re off on disability collecting,” one man yelled while approaching the dais. “How many jobs do you work?”'

Really?  Where is the shame shame shame guy when you need him?!  I understand why the council voted the way they did but how can Richardson get away with being on disability from a full time job with the JCPD while working full time for the county and part time as a councilwoman?  This is disgusting!

[MCA™]

Jersey City meeting turns ugly as council defeats police, fire contracts
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
April 14, 2010, 10:30PM

Jersey City police officers were called on to escort their fellow officers out of City Council chambers tonight as it became evident the union contracts were not getting approved. The rowdy crowd of more than 100 people booed and heckled the council members as they cast 'no' votes on the contracts.

Union members took particular issue when Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson, a city police officer who is working a county job while on disability from the department, voted against the contracts. “You’re off on disability collecting,” one man yelled while approaching the dais. “How many jobs do you work?”

Richardson responded by yelling, “Whatever,” several times into her microphone. Union members were escorted into the hallway after the exchange where they continued to yell.

Council members voting against the contracts, which failed 1-8, noted that civilian union employees have been forced to take unpaid furloughs and face layoffs and questioned whether the city could afford the raises, which Business Administrator Brian O’Reilly estimated amount to about $8 million.

“I just don’t believe the money is there. We’ve already raised taxes in this city,” Ward B Councilman David Donnelly said before voting no. “In any other year this contract would be a no-brainer to vote on it really would, but these are difficult times.” But At-large Councilman Mariano Vega, the sole member to vote for the contracts, said whether the city could afford the raises was part of the negotiation process.

“I wish that the city could share the hardship evenly with everyone else,” he said about the furloughs and layoffs affecting other city workers. “I realize that’s not possible. Furloughing the police and fire would be the Wild West. I’m going to honor those who negotiated and vote aye.”

Prior to the vote union members urged the council to support the contracts. Both contracts offer 3 percent retroactive raises for 2009, 3.3 percent in 2010, 3.4 percent in 2011 and 3.5 percent in 2012. Jersey City Police Officers Benevolent Association President Jerry DiCicco said in exchange for the raises both unions agreed to give up the traditional health care coverage, which combined would save the city about $5 million.

While the state recently took issue with the contracts in a letter to city officials calling them, “too expensive,” DiCicco and other union officials pointed out that the state praised the health care concessions.

According to union members, this is the first time in City Council history that police and fire contracts have been defeated. Union officials spoke passionately tonight about how hard it was for members to give up the traditional health plan, which they said combined would save the city $5 million.

If the City Council does not settle the contracts before May 22, union members would be required to contribute 1.5 percent of their salaries toward the cost of health care, under a measure signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie.

While DeCicco offered statistics on the number of incidents officers handled last year – over 500,000 – and the drop in crime, Joseph Krajnik, president of the firefighters union, took a different approach. Krajnik spoke so loud and passionately that his words actually echoed through the council chambers. “This contract is a deal for you the taxpayers because we gave up what I swore I would never give up and that’s the traditional plan and you take it so lightly that we did nothing,” he yelled. “I wish the governor was here. I wish I could talk to him. But I can’t because he has a bully pulpit that just wants to knock teachers, police and firefighters. If you’re a public employee you’re a thief. You steal.”

Christie has been at war with the New Jersey Education Association in recent weeks and recently encouraged voters to defeat any school budgets that don’t include wage freezes for teachers. “The savings, the taxation of the 1.5 (percent) is not for health benefits, it’s a tax on every municipal employee,” Krajnik yelled, his voice echoing. “It’s not for health benefits. It’s to offset the lack of the governor's intestinal fortitude to help municipalities in a time of need.”

[MCA™]

Builders will have to prove cases
Friday, April 09, 2010
By MELISSA HAYES
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Acting on recommendations of a legal audit of Jersey City's development process, Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy has signed an executive order making changes to the Tax Enhancement Committee.

"We believe that this is a positive step in further reassuring the public confidence in what we know is already a sound development process," Healy said in a statement Wednesday. "We believe this can only make our great city flourish even further."

The City Council hired McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter LLP to conduct the audit in August following the massive federal political corruption and money laundering sting in July that ultimately brought charges against 46 individuals, including City Councilman Mariano Vega Jr. and suspended deputy mayor Leona Beldini.

Healy's 14-page executive order requires applicants to demonstrate why a tax exemption is critical to the success of the project and to detail how the project would benefit the city.

The order mandates that all Tax Enhancement Committee meetings be advertised, open to the public and properly recorded to comply with the Open Public Meetings Act. Previously, these meetings were not announced.

In a press release Healy said there must be public and critical evaluation of all tax exemption applications before they are sent to the City Council.

Healy also added a non-voting labor representative seat to the previously seven-member committee and set requirements for all eight members.

The committee consists of Healy or a mayor's designee; the business administrator or designee; tax assessor; tax collector; an executive member of the city's Department of Housing and Economic Developer; a City Council member; a resident and labor representative.

Healy appointed Patrick Kelleher, of Hudson County-based Plumbers Local No. 14, as the non-voting labor representative.

He also filled the vacant resident seat with Robert Kropke, who has a Wall Street investment background.

[bdlaw]

Pfeiffer went on to say the raises, which amount to 13 percent over the life of the contract, "disregards the ability of the employer and, by extension, the taxpayer to pay for it."

I hate to quote a convicted felon who shouldn't be holding elected office (got to love this town), but as Gerry McCann recently said (regarding the schools contracts):

"You don't need a raise, you want a raise."

I'm curious- the article says it will save $1mm over the life of the contract and Healy says it will save $1mm every year of the contract.  Which is correct (if either actually are)?

As well, what does 13% raises over the life of the contract actually amount to, and would it offset the savings?

A room full of monkeys with typewriters abacusses would do a better job with the books in this state. 

[MCA™]

State calls for renegotiating 'too expensive' Jersey City police and fire contracts
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
April 08, 2010, 7:30AM

The state is taking issue with contracts the City of Jersey City recently negotiated with its fire and police unions calling them "simply too expensive." The City Council was set to vote on the agreements March 10, when the state Department of Community Affairs requested information on the contracts.

The city does not need state approval before signing off on the contracts, but in light of receiving millions in Special Municipal aid from the state the city agreed to the review. Both contracts offer 3 percent retroactive raises for 2009, 3.3 percent in 2010, 3.4 percent in 2011 and 3.5 percent in 2012, in exchange for changes to the health care coverage that would save the city about $1 million.

In a March 31 letter, Marc Pfeiffer, acting director of the state DCA's Division of Local Government Services, said it was encouraging, "that the parties reached a cost-saving agreement with changes to its outdated, inefficient and expensive health care policy." But Pfeiffer went on to say the raises, which amount to 13 percent over the life of the contract, "disregards the ability of the employer and, by extension, the taxpayer to pay for it." "While it may be 'comparable' and consistent with recent settlements of other entities in the area, this contract is simply too expensive and we recommend that the parties go back to the table and negotiate lower increases that are consistent with the city's fiscal condition," he said.

But Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy said in a response letter to Pfeiffer that the unions were not willing to renegotiate the terms and that he will send them to the City Council for a vote, unchanged. "While I believe our police officers and firefighters deserve every penny, I understand that these salary increases are high in light of our current economic and budgetary situation," Healy said in a statement yesterday. "However, these agreements also save the city $1 million annually in healthcare givebacks and there is a risk of higher awards if we go to binding arbitration," Healy added. "It will now be up to the City Council to decide whether to approve these contracts."

[nugnfutz]

Let me paint it a little better. Most of us homeowners got reassessed at the start of 2009. No-one sitting on the council got reassessed. That means the council members haven't had to pay the same increases in properrty tax that the average Joe has paid.

That's just wrong.

[nugnfutz]

Go to www.hudsoncountytax.com.

Put in the name of all the Jersey City council members.

 I  cannot find a JC council member that has any reassessment, ever. None of the JC council seem to be playing by the rules that most of us play to. They raise our council tax but don't pay it themselves. That's outragreous.

2010  FULOP, STEVEN MICHAEL  6200  0    109200 
   76 ESSEX ST., #4  103000       
   JERSEY CITY, N.J. 07302  109200       
   
2009  FULOP, STEVEN MICHAEL  6200  0    109200 
   76 ESSEX ST., #4  103000       
   JERSEY CITY, N.J. 07302  109200       
   
2008  FULOP, STEVEN MICHAEL  6200  0    109200 
   76 ESSEX ST., #4  103000       
   JERSEY CITY, N.J. 07302  109200       
   
2007  FULOP, STEVEN MICHAEL  6200  0    109200 
   76 ESSEX ST., #4  103000       
   JERSEY CITY, N.J. 07302  109200     


TAX-LIST-HISTORY 
Year  Owner Information  Land/Imp/Tot  Exemption  Assessed   
2010  BRENNAN, PETER  69300  0    208100 
   164 MC ADOO AVE.  138800       
   JERSEY CITY, NJ 07305  208100       
   
2009  BRENNAN, PETER  69300  0    208100 
   164 MC ADOO AVE.  138800       
   JERSEY CITY, NJ 07305  208100       
   
2010  SOTTOLANO, MICHAEL PHOEBE  11700  0    84100 
   84A SUBURBIA DRIVE  72400       
   JERSEY CITY,N.J. 07305  84100       
   
2009  SOTTOLANO, MICHAEL PHOEBE  11700  0    84100 
   84A SUBURBIA DRIVE  72400       
   JERSEY CITY,N.J. 07305  84100       
   
2008  SOTTOLANO, MICHAEL PHOEBE  11700  0    84100 
   84A SUBURBIA DRIVE  72400       
   JERSEY CITY,N.J. 07305  84100       
   
2007  SOTTOLANO, MICHAEL PHOEBE  11700  0    84100 
   84A SUBURBIA DRIVE  72400       
   JERSEY CITY,N.J. 07305  84100     

TAX-LIST-HISTORY 
Year  Owner Information  Land/Imp/Tot  Exemption  Assessed   
2010  DONNELLY, DAVID  12500  0    77200 
   65 GAUTIER AVE.  64700       
   JERSEY CITY, N.J. 07306  77200       
   
2009  DONNELLY, DAVID  12500  0    77200 
   65 GAUTIER AVE.  64700       
   JERSEY CITY, N.J. 07306  77200       
   
2008  DONNELLY, DAVID  12500  0    77200 
   65 GAUTIER AVE.  64700       
   JERSEY CITY, N.J. 07306  77200       
   
2007  DONNELLY, DAVID  12500  0    77200 
   65 GAUTIER AVE.  64700       
   JERSEY CITY, N.J. 07306  77200

2008  BRENNAN, PETER  69300  0    208100 
   164 MC ADOO AVE.  138800       
   JERSEY CITY, NJ 07305  208100       
   
2007  BRENNAN, PETER  69300  0    208100 
   164 MC ADOO AVE.  138800       
   JERSEY CITY, NJ 07305  208100   

2010  HEALY, JERRAMIAH & MAUREEN  14900  0    117000 
   109 FERRY ST.  102100       
   JERSEY CITY, N.J. 07306  117000       
   
2009  HEALY, JERRAMIAH & MAUREEN  14900  0    117000 
   109 FERRY ST.  102100       
   JERSEY CITY, N.J. 07306  117000       
   
2008  HEALY, JERRAMIAH & MAUREEN  14900  0    117000 
   109 FERRY ST.  102100       
   JERSEY CITY, N.J. 07306  117000       
   
2007  HEALY, JERRAMIAH & MAUREEN  14900  0    117000 
   109 FERRY ST.  102100       
   JERSEY CITY, N.J. 07306  117000     

[MCA™]

Jersey City borrows $8M to repay property owners, move receives criticism from residents
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
March 15, 2010, 10:30AM

Jersey City will bond nearly $8 million to repay property owners who successfully appealed their tax assessments. The City Council voted 8-1 Wednesday to issue $7,893,797 in bonds or notes. Ward E Councilman Steve Fulop cast the lone no vote.

Residents criticized the city for accruing more debt. "We shouldn't be borrowing from the future," resident Phil Petruzzelli said.

Ward A Councilman Michael Sottolano said the city has no choice. "These are people that appealed their assessments," he said. "They won their cases. They already paid their taxes. Now we have to pay them back."

Resident James Feeney asked why the city didn't anticipate the appeals and budget for them. Chief Financial Officer Donna Mauer said the city can't budget for that.

Residents also asked what the borrowing would do to the city's bond rating. The city budgeted $43.35 million to repay outstanding bond debt and interest in the current fiscal year, according to the budget introduced in January.

Mauer said the city has a AAA bond rating, the highest rating, which means the city is not a credit risk. She attributed that rating to the city's high tax collection rate.

Standard & Poor's, a financial services firm, rates the city at AAA/negative, meaning there is little risk. But in December, after the city bonded $4.38 million so the Jersey City Parking Authority could purchase its building on Central Avenue, Moody's Investors Services gave the city an A1 rating, which means it is a safe investment, but riskier in a tough economy.

Moody's also gave the city an underlying rating of Baa2, which means it's a medium-safe investment, and when the economy deteriorates problems may arise. According to Moody's, the city has a stable outlook on its $783.6 million in outstanding debt.

Not all of that debt is the city's. Some of it, like the Parking Authority bond, is guaranteed by the city, meaning if the Parking Authority were to default on its bond repayment, the city would be held liable.

[Bobblehead]

Councilman Bill Gaughan abstained from the MUA ordinance because his daughter Eileen Gaughan is chairwoman of the board. Councilwoman Willie Flood abstained from both because her husband Philip Flood in chairman of the JCIA board.

Oh really, and how'd they get those jobs?

I know, right?  Fucking unbelievable. . . .

[bdlaw]

Councilman Bill Gaughan abstained from the MUA ordinance because his daughter Eileen Gaughan is chairwoman of the board. Councilwoman Willie Flood abstained from both because her husband Philip Flood in chairman of the JCIA board.

Oh really, and how'd they get those jobs?

[MCA™]

Jersey City Incinerator Authority and Municipal Utilities Authority keep health benefits
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
March 10, 2010, 9:31PM

Members of the Jersey City Incinerator Authority and Municipal Utility Authority boards will get to keep their health benefits. The City Council approved ordinances that will allow commissioners to continue getting health benefits, but with the caveat that family coverage be eliminated and board members pay 20 percent of the premium.

Prior to the vote more than a dozen residents implored the City Council not to support the resolutions. They argued that members of part-time, appointed boards should not get health benefits. Councilwoman Viola Richardson agreed with the residents and said she didn’t feel members deserved benefits.

City Corporation Counsel Bill Matsikoudis raised the issue of whether or not the members are even entitled to the benefits they have been receiving for decades. The city has been unable to locate an ordinance granting the benefits. “Our opinion is they should discontinue the benefits because they don’t have the authority to give it,” he said. “That may lead to a court battle.”

Council members supporting the measure argued that requiring members to pay the premium and eliminating family coverage results in a $155,000 savings for the city.

Councilman Bill Gaughan abstained from the MUA ordinance because his daughter Eileen Gaughan is chairwoman of the board. Councilwoman Willie Flood abstained from both because her husband Philip Flood in chairman of the JCIA board. Richardson also abstained from both and Councilman Steve Fulop was absent.

Fulop tried to introduce ordinances that would have eliminated the benefits altogether, but failed to gain enough support. He and Richardson voted for those.

Resident Yvonne Balcer questioned whether other municipalities offer benefits to appointed board members. “If a person wants to serve the city they should serve the city,” she said. “It doesn’t mean we the public have to pay for it.”

[jcpeace]

I don't think they do such a terrible job.  I love the fact that they don't miss a day regardless of weather or holidays.  Regarding street cleaning...I think it would be better if they still kept alternate side parking in effect and ran snow plows.

duke

here here they should use alternate side parking to facilitate  more  thorough snow removal. that's what they do in cities in upstate NY.
fucking morons down here!
 sad.

[duke_of_earl]

Not knocking these people (although I think they do a very shitty job with garbage removal) but I've always been curious what the street cleaning people do when there's not street cleaning. Like today and probably Monday, Tuesday, etc. Does anyone know?

I don't think they do such a terrible job.  I love the fact that they don't miss a day regardless of weather or holidays.  Regarding street cleaning...I think it would be better if they still kept alternate side parking in effect and ran snow plows.

duke

[RB]

But Eileen Gaughan, chairwoman of the MUA, disagreed with Fulop and said commissioners are on call 24 hours a day to serve the public. "Despite what Councilman Fulop is leading the public to believe, the hours that are put in during the meetings are just the tip of the iceberg as far as being commissioners and serving the public," she said.

Not knocking these people (although I think they do a very shitty job with garbage removal) but I've always been curious what the street cleaning people do when there's not street cleaning. Like today and probably Monday, Tuesday, etc. Does anyone know?

[MCA™]

Members of Jersey City MUA and Incinerator Authority likely will have to start paying toward health insurance
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
February 26, 2010, 7:55AM

Members of the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority and Jersey City Incinerator Authority may have to start paying for their health benefits.

Councilman Steven Fulop tried to introduce ordinances Wednesday night that would have eliminated the benefits altogether, but failed to muster the necessary votes. The council instead introduced a measure, backed by Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, that would limit health insurance to the member and eliminate family coverage. The board members would also have to pay 20 percent of the cost of the premium. Currently, the agency foots the entire bill.

"This ordinance is a compromise ordinance in that it allows for a substantial savings while at the same time allowing the commissioners to pay a portion of their premium to maintain health coverage," Healy said in a statement yesterday. According to a memo Healy sent council members, Fulop's proposal would have saved $287,569 and the "compromise ordinances" would save $155,294.

Healy spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said the MUA is spending $151,171.20 annually on health benefits for board members and the JCIA is spending $126,398. With the reductions, the MUA would spend $61,221.22 and the JCIA will spend $65,344.08. The board members receive no other benefit.

"It is absolutely shameful in a time when the lowest level city employees were laid off, they grant health benefits to politically connected cronies that the taxpayers fund," Fulop said. "Most of the City Council and administration clearly do not understand how they are hurting the regular taxpayers."

But Eileen Gaughan, chairwoman of the MUA, disagreed with Fulop and said commissioners are on call 24 hours a day to serve the public. "Despite what Councilman Fulop is leading the public to believe, the hours that are put in during the meetings are just the tip of the iceberg as far as being commissioners and serving the public," she said.

Fulop and Councilwoman Viola Richardson voted against Healy's ordinances.

Councilman Bill Gaughan abstained on the MUA vote since his daughter, Eileen, is chairwoman and Councilwoman Willie Flood abstained on the JCIA vote because her husband is chairman.

[nugnfutz]

Regarding throwing out centuries of contract law, then I, Grego, Dealy, and scores of firefighters clearly need better legal advice.  Cause we think it's going to happen.

duke

If you're in that situation, get yourself a better lawyer. Seriously. They pretty much can't rewrite your employment contracts retroactively.

[CeeDub]

If the liberrary has $$ to spare, then why is the Pavonia branch closed daily from 1300-1400 "due to budget shortfalls [sic]"?

[duke_of_earl]

They were not gambling. They could have accepted alternative employment contracts outside the City.  They've worked and saved and planned their retirement under a contract of employment with JC. Changing that contract after the fact is wrong - and would likely expose the City to litigation. I agree the rules must change. And I think the rehire as consultants needs a closer look.

But you cannot throw out centuries of contract law just because you don't think it's fair after the fact. You can ask people to sign a new contract from a given date, but I've never heard of asking people to sign a back-dated employment contract.

The rehire as consultants is a flagrant money shuffle.  If you read the article carefully, you'll notice that Grego will be working on the library budget, but doing the same work.  Presumably because the library has money to spare, but woe to the politician who proposes cutting the budget of a public library...

Regarding throwing out centuries of contract law, then I, Grego, Dealy, and scores of firefighters clearly need better legal advice.  Cause we think it's going to happen.

duke

[MCA™]

Angry Jersey City residents confront council on tax hikes, layoffs, retirees rehired as consultants; suggest cutting top jobs, threaten recalls
Thursday, February 25, 2010
By MELISSA HAYES
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Journal Square business owner Raju Patel summed up the sentiments of the hundreds of Jersey City residents at last night's council meeting. "Look after us as a taxpayer," he said. "We do not have such deep pockets." The comment drew applause from a standing-room-only crowd in City Hall for a public hearing on the proposed municipal budget for the fiscal year ending June 30.

"You chose to lay off 280 low-level and seasonal employees, people who are most vulnerable to this economy," resident Esther Wintner said. "You shielded your friends and kept your unmarked municipal cars for your pleasure at our expense. Did you think this would go unnoticed? You tried to pacify us and hoped we would fade away. We are here, and we are angry."

Wintner reminded City Council members that they are elected by the voters and are supposed to represent their constituents. "We are left with no other recourse but to defend our homes and future," she said, speaking to the council. "We are united and will work to dismantle the beast before us, limb by limb, door by door, ward by ward."

The rowdy crowd chanted "recall" and "no more taxes" during a lengthy public hearing.

Resident Amy Ertle said residents have collected about 2,000 signatures protesting the tax hike they plan to send to Gov. Chris Christie. Residents offered suggestions like freezing borrowing, reducing overtime, cutting higher-paid positions, sharing services and making city buildings more energy efficient.

The crowd criticized the council for voting to hire back retired employees as consultants and also turned the blame on themselves for not being involved enough. About 30,000 of the city's roughly 240,000 residents voted in the May election.

"That's the essential problem here. It's not just that the council doesn't care. We have a lot of people out here who do care," resident Andrew Velwest said. "The problem as somebody already stated is the citizens of Jersey City as a whole are either ignorant or apathetic about their government."

The budget hearing came after the council declined to introduce ordinances sponsored by Councilman Steven Fulop that would eliminate health benefits for members of the Municipal Utilities Authority and Jersey City Incinerator Authority, a move that angered many in attendance.

City officials originally said the budget would hike taxes $800 for the owner of a home assessed at $100,000. Last night, Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly said the increase for a $100,000 home now stands at $640.

[nugnfutz]

I don't think its fair to these folks at the end of their term of service to rewrite the rules. The same with people currently in employment. You can't change their terms of employment retroactively. Put yourself in their shoes - they have probably based their life and retirement planning on contractual obligations. They're not to blame nor to victimize if the City got things wrong. Change the rules by all means, but don't hit those people that have given service to the City in good faith.

Okay, I put myself in their shoes.  And I thought to myself, "Holy shit!  Rules are rewritten all the time!  Maybe I shouldn't place the future of myself and my family in a politician's hands.  Perhaps I shouldn't stock up years of sick and vacation days for a final massive payout at my maximum retirement pay rate."

I don't blame them.  They are gambling (wisely it turns out) that they will get a large payoff and are maximizing their gains off the system.  Gambles win and lose.  I'm confused on the part about good faith and giving service.  Were they volunteers?

duke

They were not gambling. They could have accepted alternative employment contracts outside the City.  They've worked and saved and planned their retirement under a contract of employment with JC. Changing that contract after the fact is wrong - and would likely expose the City to litigation. I agree the rules must change. And I think the rehire as consultants needs a closer look.

But you cannot throw out centuries of contract law just because you don't think it's fair after the fact. You can ask people to sign a new contract from a given date, but I've never heard of asking people to sign a back-dated employment contract.

[duke_of_earl]

I don't think its fair to these folks at the end of their term of service to rewrite the rules. The same with people currently in employment. You can't change their terms of employment retroactively. Put yourself in their shoes - they have probably based their life and retirement planning on contractual obligations. They're not to blame nor to victimize if the City got things wrong. Change the rules by all means, but don't hit those people that have given service to the City in good faith.

Okay, I put myself in their shoes.  And I thought to myself, "Holy shit!  Rules are rewritten all the time!  Maybe I shouldn't place the future of myself and my family in a politician's hands.  Perhaps I shouldn't stock up years of sick and vacation days for a final massive payout at my maximum retirement pay rate."

I don't blame them.  They are gambling (wisely it turns out) that they will get a large payoff and are maximizing their gains off the system.  Gambles win and lose.  I'm confused on the part about good faith and giving service.  Were they volunteers?

duke

[Binky]

Team Healy council members growing a backbone, or just paying lip-service?

I think they're getting nervous now that they realize people are paying attention.

[MCA™]

Team Healy council members growing a backbone, or just paying lip-service?


Jersey City council dismisses Healy-backed ordinances for part-time commissioners' health benefits
By Tom Shortell
February 23, 2010, 9:10PM

The Jersey City City Council sent back ordinances tonight endorsed by Mayor Jerramiah Healy that would have allowed the commissioners of some politically appointed boards to keep some health benefits.

The ordinances would have allowed commissioners of the Municipal Utilities Authority and the city Incinerator Authority to collect benefits for themselves but not their families. Ordinances proposed by Ward E Councilman Steven Fulop would cut all benefits to the two boards.

Complaints by Fulop, Ward A Councilman Michael Sottalono, and Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson put a quick end to the debate over the ordinances.

Fulop argued that the commissioners do 20 hours of work, and that taxpayers shouldn't have to foot 80 percent of their health benefits for it. "I think this is shameful," Fulop said. 

"I respectfully ask that (the ordinances) be withdrawn," Sottalono said.

According to figures provided by Jennifer Morrill, city spokeswoman, the MUA spends $151,171 on the board's benefits while the JCIA spends $136,398. The MUA's figure would be reduced to $61,500 if commissioners picked up 20 percent of the premium cost, Morrill said.

The reductions for the JCIA were not immediately available.

[nugnfutz]

I don't think its fair to these folks at the end of their term of service to rewrite the rules. The same with people currently in employment. You can't change their terms of employment retroactively. Put yourself in their shoes - they have probably based their life and retirement planning on contractual obligations. They're not to blame nor to victimize if the City got things wrong. Change the rules by all means, but don't hit those people that have given service to the City in good faith.

[jehu]

Simple way to fix this issue that will benefit both sides.

Allow the employees to sell back a week of sick days back yearly. This will negate the financial impact to the city when someone retires.

As for rehiring of a retiree? Tell them to get to the back of the line....

[fasteddie]

Jersey City honchos receive huge retirement payouts, and stay on payroll
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
February 21, 2010, 4:25PM

Worried about pending state legislation, two municipal honchos in the administration of Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy have received huge retirement payouts -- and will remain on the city payroll.
Legislation backed by the governor that would cap retirement payouts didn't come soon enough to stop two longtime Jersey City employees from leaving with large checks.

Assistant Business Administrator Roger Grego and Chief of Administrative Services Kathy Dealy retired Feb. 1.

Grego walked away with $238,138.11 for 127 unused vacation days, 356 sick days and six personal days. Dealy was paid $133,447.26 for 60 unused vacation days, 269 sick days and six personal days.

But even through they are retiring from their current jobs with hefty pensions, they will continue to bring home city paychecks.

The Jersey City Council approved resolutions Wednesday to create shared services agreements with the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority and Jersey City Library, which have hired Dealy and Grego as consultants.

Councilman Steven Fulop and Councilwoman Viola Richardson abstained from voting on the resolutions, which passed 7-0-2.

"I like both as employees and they are great assets, however if you retire and take the payout, then you retire," Fulop said. "I don't believe one can have it both ways regardless of how good of an employee one is, especially when they are laying other employees off."

Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly's memo to the council said that Grego, who worked on labor contract negotiations, the budget and capital project development for the city, will be paid by the library as a consultant, but through the agreement will continue to work for the city. City officials didn't immediately say how much Grego was to be paid as consultant.

Daniel Becht, executive director of the MUA, said Dealy, who worked on the budget, capital accounts and fiscal matters related to the MUA, would work on financial issues and on the city's budget through the shared services agreement.

He said she would be paid hourly, for no more than 20 hours per week for a total of 90 to 120 days. Becht said the rate of pay has not been set.

Grego, who worked for the city for just over 38 years, was earning $127,104 when he retired and will be paid a $83,024.55 pension annually, city officials said.

Dealy, who worked for the city for 27 years, was earning $103,969 and will be paid a $62,972.16 pension annually.

In a memo to the council, O'Reilly noted that pending state legislation pushed by Gov. Chris Christie would cap retirement payouts at $15,000.

"As a result...the city is experiencing a sudden loss of knowledgeable senior employees," O'Reilly said, adding that the city hasn't had time to train replacements. "The shared services agreements will address the immediate needs," he said.

The city budgeted for the payouts after the legislation was introduced last year. The current fiscal year's budget, which will be voted on Wednesday, contains $7 million for accumulated absence payouts.

[nugnfutz]

I am under the belief that a lot of the people who are demanding pension reform and healthcare reform think that the city/state employees are getting a free ride. They aren't.

 
I know people will volunteer for free for City positions. Fire, Police and other positions. A lot of jobless folks would be more than happy to give their services to the City. Without pay and without pensions. I think we need to give them the opportunity. I'd like to see the council set this up.

You cannot "volunteer and get a pension"

There is much confusion about the pension system in some of these posts. Each employee pays a % of their current salary into their retirement pension. It's automatically deducted from their paycheck. I think you are confusing this with health benefits.

RIF, folks.

It doesn't say "volunteer and get a pension"; in fact it says exactly the opposite.  Fill some positions with unpaid, no benefits volunteers.

Exactly BD. The best way for a lot of unemployed to get back into the labor market is to keep up to date with their skills. Working for free for JC can't hurt. And JC should leverage this for 2 reasons...reduced costs...and to help those unemployed get back into the labor market...win-win.

[jehu]

I think we should start with city council members... Make it a volunteer position with NO benefits...

[bdlaw]

I am under the belief that a lot of the people who are demanding pension reform and healthcare reform think that the city/state employees are getting a free ride. They aren't.

 
I know people will volunteer for free for City positions. Fire, Police and other positions. A lot of jobless folks would be more than happy to give their services to the City. Without pay and without pensions. I think we need to give them the opportunity. I'd like to see the council set this up.

You cannot "volunteer and get a pension"

There is much confusion about the pension system in some of these posts. Each employee pays a % of their current salary into their retirement pension. It's automatically deducted from their paycheck. I think you are confusing this with health benefits.

RIF, folks.

It doesn't say "volunteer and get a pension"; in fact it says exactly the opposite.  Fill some positions with unpaid, no benefits volunteers.

[jehu]

I am under the belief that a lot of the people who are demanding pension reform and healthcare reform think that the city/state employees are getting a free ride. They aren't.

 
I know people will volunteer for free for City positions. Fire, Police and other positions. A lot of jobless folks would be more than happy to give their services to the City. Without pay and without pensions. I think we need to give them the opportunity. I'd like to see the council set this up.

You cannot "volunteer and get a pension"

There is much confusion about the pension system in some of these posts. Each employee pays a % of their current salary into their retirement pension. It's automatically deducted from their paycheck. I think you are confusing this with health benefits.

[MCA™]

Council members spar in filling Jersey City Incinerator Authority post; vote on stripping benefits looms
Thursday, February 18, 2010
By MELISSA HAYES
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

A seemingly routine appointment to the Jersey City Incinerator Authority set off a heated debate between City Council members at last night's meeting.

While members of the Jersey City Incinerator Authority are not paid, they receive health benefits from the city. Among the dozens of boards in the city, the JCIA and Municipal Utilities Authority are the only ones that grant members benefits.

Councilman Steven Fulop introduced an ordinance last week that would eliminate those benefits. It was set to be voted on last Wednesday, but the meeting was canceled due to the snow storm.

Because ordinances must be advertised to the public, Fulop's ordinance couldn't be placed on last night's agenda and will instead be heard at next week's meeting.

When a resolution appointing Roger Hejazi to the JCIA came up, Fulop questioned whether he was willing to serve without benefits. Councilwoman Viola Richardson spoke with Hejazi, who told her he would be if the ordinance passes.

Fulop countered that the resolution should be amended to reflect that Hejazi would waive his benefits. But Richardson said she didn't ask Hejazi if he would waive benefits, in case Fulop's ordinance fails and the other members still have benefits.

Reached before the meeting, Hejazi said he already has health benefits and wasn't relying on the city benefits. But he did say it was a perk to serving.

"This is a no-pay job," he said. "So there has to be something for the time you spend being there. You have to do a lot of stuff. It's not just going to a meeting."

Fulop said eliminating benefits for both authorities would save nearly $400,000 annually and said even eliminating benefits for one member would make a difference.

The resolution appointing Hejazi passed 8-1 with Fulop voting against it.

[Pinky]

 
I know people will volunteer for free for City positions. Fire, Police and other positions. A lot of jobless folks would be more than happy to give their services to the City. Without pay and without pensions. I think we need to give them the opportunity. I'd like to see the council set this up.

You cannot "volunteer and get a pension"

There is much confusion about the pension system in some of these posts. Each employee pays a % of their current salary into their retirement pension. It's automatically deducted from their paycheck. I think you are confusing this with health benefits.

[jehu]

Might be insurance issues with that. Imagine a volunteer dog catcher bring home their work, only to have those dogs attack a neighbor... 

[nugnfutz]

Oh and why not make 10% of all City jobs voluntary? Not only Police and Fire....but all Jobs.

Ok. Healy has made a lot of publicity of hiring 260+ new members of the JCPD. Well, we taxpayers end up paying for that.  And Healy reaps the benefits with 260++ new people on his HCDO machine voter list. Every new City job created and every City job saved, keeps these idiots in power. It's why Healy will never go after job cuts, pension cuts nor anything that impacts his power base.

I know people will volunteer for free for City positions. Fire, Police and other positions. A lot of jobless folks would be more than happy to give their services to the City. Without pay and without pensions. I think we need to give them the opportunity. I'd like to see the council set this up.

[nugnfutz]

 
Oh and why not make 10% of all City jobs voluntary? Not only Police and Fire....but all Jobs.

[nugnfutz]

An Open Letter to Mayor Healy and the Jersey City Council regarding the FY 2010 Budget and impending tax increases that I will be mailing them on Monday.

..........

Best post of the year imo.

[gordonh]

The city has put the Petition of Appeal on their website.  I didn't realize that there is a filing fee for appealing.  Has anyone gone through this process before? 

[Pinky]

The employees do pay co-payments on prescriptions that are filled in a pharmacy and have always paid co-payments for all Doctor visits and Emergency room visits. All employees pay a % of their current salary into their retirement pension and it's deducted out of each paycheck.

[duke_of_earl]

Possibly the first use of the word humongous in a political letter that I've ever read.  Great analysis.  I'm glad someone read the budget critically.  You are dead on with "Other expenses", I imagine that category would disappear if the departments were forced to itemize.

duke

[FGJCNJ1970]

An Open Letter to Mayor Healy and the Jersey City Council regarding the FY 2010 Budget and impending tax increases that I will be mailing them on Monday.

Dear Mr. Mayor and Jersey City Council Members.

I am writing this letter because of my deep concern over the FY2010 budget that was introduced recently and the impending humongous Property Tax increases that will result.  Increases that are over and above the 11.25% tax increase that was already imposed on us back in July 2009 at a 5 o’clock “rush-hour” council meeting that had little to no advance notice, so that no one would show up.

Well I was there in July, and even spoke at that council meeting.  I said, “The People of Jersey City are hurting”.   Many of us, myself included, have lost our private sector jobs during this “Great Recession”.  And despite what the pundits are saying on Wall Street, things have not gotten better and the CHANGE we were promised – both nationally, and here locally in Jersey City, HAS NOT COME.   The only change we have gotten, has been in our taxes… Up and UP and AWAY.

Unfortunately, while I am still out of work, since October of 2008, and have had to do my own cutting back and significant belt tightening, I have not seen the city do ANY cutting whatsoever.  It’s business as usual there at City Hall.  Bloated Budgets, “Do Nothing” bureaucracy and now corruption that reigns the day.   There has been no sacrifice at City Hall or with our municipal government.  You find it easier to just raise taxes on the citizens than to make tough choices.

At the last City Council meeting that I attended at the end of January, it was quite obvious; not one of the city council members had really spent any time with the budget.  In fact, the budget in places looks just like 2009 actual numbers carried over.  Frankly, I think someone was lazy when putting it together.  And apparently, with the exception of maybe Mr. Steven Fulop, everybody else is just “Yes” men and women to Mayor Healy and don’t have the true interests of the citizens of Jersey City at heart when they approved this budget.   You are supposed to represent “US” the people of Jersey City.  This FY 2010 budget that is 7 months late is not representative of the People of Jersey City and it does not have our best interests at heart.

While I’ve seen the recent stories about the 4 firehouses being closed… and how seasonal workers are now being let go, really… this is a big shell game. It’s the same as usual.  No one lost his or her job with the four firehouses.   If you read the Jersey Journal article closely, they were all conveniently “reassigned”.  And I believe “firehouses” share physical facilities with ladder companies and other emergency divisions… so this will result in no savings absolutely whatsoever.  It’s a paper accounting trick.  And those seasonal jobs – they are seasonal for a reason…. They’ll be back just in time for next year I’m sure.  And the 12 furlough days that Jersey City’s had?  With a union subsequently complaining and crying foul?  Try being out of work completely for a year and 5 months with no income and no health insurance.  It sucks, so stop complaining.

Instead of continuing to tax and spend our way to fiscal destruction, what we need are real cuts.  Significant cuts.  Layoffs at City Hall and at every government agency and entity needs to take place until we get a balanced budget that does not impose hefty tax increases on us, the citizens of this fine city.  To start, all those political appointment jobs and patronage positions have got to go.

Finally, Mr. Mayor, City Council members, since you can’t do it right, let me help.  I downloaded the Jersey City budget that was submitted and, since I have some time on my hands, I have reviewed it and I have some suggestions for you.  But, until this bloated budget is amended with BIG cuts…. It cannot be passed in its current state.

Here are my suggestions…. Starting with expenses first.

Health Care and Retirement Pension Plans.   

These have to be addressed.   The Health Care Insurance plan for the city should be sent out for re-bid from multiple insurance providers to ensure the city is getting the best deal.  $69 million is INSANE.  Stop offering expensive “Cadillac” plans.  Additionally, like the private sector, city employees should start to have to pay co-pays.    $5 co-pays for prescriptions and $20 co-pays for doctor’s visits are not going to hurt anybody.  Time for JC employees to start chipping in like the rest of us.  The free ride for city employees has to stop.   Retirement Pensions need to be looked at as well – especially for police and fire as it’s now upwards of $34 million and growing.  City employees need to start making more contributions – similar to employees in the private sector.


Accumulated Vacation and Sick Days. 

This is on Sheet 3C.  THIS IS INSANE!  Jersey City employees have 265,942 days that they need to take and it’s costing us almost $74 million dollars in 2010.  Negotiated through “Approved Labor Agreements”.  Time to re-think this big time.  Many private sector employers have USE IT OR LOOSE IT vacation and sick day policies.  Jersey City needs to follow suit.  Other municipalities across the US have switched and Jersey City should too.  Otherwise this will continue to be a big liability.  Plus, sick days are supposed to be sick days – 3 or 4 a year when sick.  You should not be allowed to take extra sick days because you weren’t sick 5 years ago.


OTHER EXPSENSES

This line item appears over and over and over again in the budget.  54 TIMES to be exact.  What are these OTHER EXPENSES?  There needs to be more significant cuts in other expenses versus 2009.  The Office of the City Clerk’s expenses went up $7,000.  But there are some real whoppers.  “Other Expenses” for the Management and Budget Office (Sheet 13, line 256) went from $48,475 in 2009 to OVER $337,000.   What’s going on here?  That’s a huge increase.  Cut here now.

Are there really over $1,284,000 in other expenses in the Engineering Office?  REALLY?  It’s down from 2009, but should be cut more.

Other expenses in Information Technology are $1,452,200.  CUT THIS Big time.  Hold off on computer purchases.  Computers should last 3-4 years easily.  I’m positive IT Other Expenses can be cut more.  Check out the new Best Buy for sales.  Renegotiate all IT contracts for cost savings.

Other Expenses in Collections is up about $16,000.  And other expenses for the TAX ASSESSOR jumped by $146,100 versus 2009.  How bout some BIG CUTS for the Tax Assessor’s office versus big tax increases.

The Law Department’s Other Expenses (Sheet 15A line 396) has swelled to $1,021,500.  Up over $36,750.  What are these new legal expenses?  Take away their photocopier or whatever it is that is running up their costs.

Building and Street Maintenance.  Yes, “Other Expenses” are down here from 2009, however at $1,611,800, it’s still a big amount.  Not sure we’re getting our money’s worth here either.

Automotive Services (Sheet 15C, Line 416).  More cuts need to take place here.  At $2,452,700 this is a big amount for “Other Expenses”  I have a suggestion, the City Council can start by turning in their cars.  Also, limo / car services need to be cut.  Also, older cars in the fleet should be gotten rid of and more fuel efficient cars obtained.  But this could be cut more.  Limit use of personal cars for city work.  Buses, jitneys,  PATH, Light Rail and walking all are acceptable options for transportation.

“Other Expenses” for Health (Sheet 15D, line 511) shot up by $55,000 to $666,091.  What happened here?  Are we really healthier?

“Other Expenses” for Fire at $1,415,700 and for Police at $2,589,400 while down slightly from 2009, still seem excessive.  Can’t more cuts for non-essential “other expense” take place? 

In TOTAL (from sheet 25, line 60023-11) OTHER EXPENSES have jumped dramatically to $67,563, 374 up from $44,505,338.   That’s a $23 million increase.  Instead of raising our taxes, cut “Other Expenses” back to 2009 levels.

OTHER AREAS THAT CAN BE CUT – from Sheet 16 & 17

- ATM - Aid to Museum and AAM - Aid to African American Museum can be cut more
- 879 - Municipal Publicity has jumped to $64,000 from $30,000.  Cut this back down.
- 880 – Other Advertising – cut more
- 881 – Celebration of Public Events – organizations need to cover more costs
- 884 – Professional Affiliations – Cut here.  What are these affiliations anyway and what do we get?
- Ambulance Service – jumped to over $3,540,000 from $3,344,000.  Maybe send 3 ambulances instead of four?  And shouldn’t accident insurance be covering some of this?
- Electricity – turn off the lights, get motion sensors, switch light bulbs to energy saving CFLs or LED lights.
- 888 – Gasoline – take away personal cars, get rid of gas guzzling SUVs, renegotiate contracts.
- 887 – Office Services, this jumped by $57,000 from 2009.  Cut, cut cut.


Revenue Generation

Now, once the “Other Expenses” category has been cut, the other side of the equation is that Jersey City needs to really focus on raising revenues through fees and other charges and levies–not through increased property taxes.  Here are some thoughts as overall, revenues are flat or down in the FY 2010 budget.

-   Issue more Alcoholic Beverage Licenses – there are many restaurants without who I know want them.  Make sure existing licenses are renewed.
-   Lets get more people married. 
-   Cable TV Franchise Fees need to be increased for more revenue to the city
-   Start Charging more in Advertising Ordinance Fees
-   Why are there ZERO Demolition fees?  Don’t permits have to be issued?  I know demolition is going on all over the place.
-   Increase Hotel Occupancy Taxes…. Many new hotels around
-   Sewer and Street Opening Revenue is down yet development continues.  Raise fees on developers.
-   Vending Machine Licenses… I see vending machines all over the place, but we only get $23,688 in revenue…. Time to bump up fees and enforce. 
-   Food Establishment Licenses…. Make more available, but charge more also.  Let the food carts operate wherever…. For a “location” fee of course.
-   Hotel and Motel Licenses – Charge more
-   Dine and Dance Permits.  We only got $7,100 in 2009 and the same amount is budgeted for 2010.  Hit up those nightclubs.  Charge more for fees.
-   Elevator inspection fees…. Up the fees…. And hit the downtown commercial and residential high-rise developments with lots of “elevator inspections”
-   Site Plan review fees.  For FY 2009 we got $444,515, but are only now budgeting $300,000.  Why?  Increase fees here to adjust for lower volume.
-   Increase Parking Lot License Fees, Street Parking Permit Fees and increase Parking Lot Taxes.  We have great public transportation options.  If you have a car, you can pay a little more for the privilege of parking it.
-   Uniform Construction Code Fees also need to be increased. 

Other items such as grants are missing (See Sheet 5).  Jersey City is on track to be New Jersey’s largest city with the 2010 census, yet I see a big ZERO for the Municipal Homeland Security Assistance Aid.  What?  This could really help offset our bloated police and fire department budgets.

Additionally, we are receiving ZERO  funding for the UEZ Police Program.  Last year we got $1,345,045 in revenue from this.  Also, no revenue for Neighborhood Preservation programs.  What about revenue from NJDOT?  In 2009 we got $1,250,997.  2010 is ZERO.  (Sheet 9)

Why are we not getting a UEZ business relocation grant again this year?  No Safe Routes to Schools money either.  Last year we had $1 million and $250,000 respectively.

What happened to the $85,000 for seniors that came in in 2009.  It’s gone for 2010. 

In 2009, we got big money -  $2,628,175 for the Urban Area Security Initiative Grant – Fire.  This year ZERO. We also have no money from the Metropolitan Medical Response System – Fire.  In 2009, we got $321,221.

No Safe and Secure Communities funding either.  In 2009 we got $392,823.  On Sheet 9C there is no revenue coming in for Senior Nutrition.  The year prior we got $1,148,932.  No Clean Communities Revenue either.

Apparently no one at City Hall is working to get all the Federal, State and other grant monies that are available.  Why?  WHY?  WHY?

Why is revenue from Recycling Tonnage down significantly?  Down over $117,000.  I know you guys are inspecting for recycling violations… you cited everyone in my condo.  So where is the money from recycling? 

Revenue from fees to offices such as Harbor Plaza IV, and V and South pier are flat or down.  Why?  If anything these financial services companies should be charged more fees.

And, finally…. For all those who got 5, 10, 15 and 30 year sweetheart tax abatements (Sheets 10A – 10G) and make Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs), where money is diverted from our schools and the county.  Lets create a new fee just for them… especially if they are sending their children to our public schools.

Call this new fee the “Gold Coast & Luxury Living Educational Assessment Surcharge” This fee should be a percentage of the difference of what they are paying in their PILOTS and what they would pay normally in regular real estate taxes.  It is unfair that those with abated “luxury” properties don’t have to pay for our local schools and other services they receive from the City and County municipal governments.

CONCLUSION

Mr. Mayor, City Council Members, you MUST revisit and fix the 2010 budget.  There are major issues with the budget as it currently stands.  If you focus of significant cuts to “Other Expenses”, and then focus on revenue generation through increased fees for services and other areas you can halt the need to raise large property taxes on the citizens of this city. 

If I can go through the budget and see things that look out of line, surely you can do a better job at refining the budget.   Go back to the drawing board and revise this budget to cut spending.  You can also look at Salaries and Wages, which in certain departments have increased as well - despite a hiring and raises freeze that was supposed to be in effect.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I will be at the City Council meeting on February 25th to again protest this budget that will result in crazy property taxes.  Please fix it now and resubmit.

Respectfully,


FG

[nugnfutz]

Some resources

You can check you assessed value and even generate your appeal here:
http://www.easytaxfix.com/

You can download the appeals form and instructions for completing here:
http://www.hudsoncountytax.com/Forms/A-1.pdf

You can check your property details as held by the tax office on these websites:
http://www.hudsoncountytax.com/
(using search on bottom left)
and
https://www.cityofjerseycity.com/WebTaxInquiry/AccountSearch.aspx

You can get some idea of your property value at
www.zillow.com

If you have any questions on the appeal process you can contact the City Assessors on (201) 547-5132 or in person at
    City of Jersey City
    280 Grove Street
    Jersey City, NJ 07302

Or from the Hudson County offices at:
    Hudson County Board of Taxation
   Hudson County Plaza
   257 Cornelison Ave 3rd Floor
   Jersey City, NJ 07302
   Phone: 201.395.6260
   Fax: 201.395.6263

[MCA™]

Jersey City is laying off nearly 280 employees
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
February 12, 2010, 11:08AM

Nearly 280 Jersey City employees will be terminated Feb. 26 to help the city close a multi-million dollar budget deficit.

Jennifer Morrill, a spokeswoman for Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, confirmed late yesterday that 278 employees will be laid off. That includes 240 seasonal workers, 36 provisional employees and two unclassified employees. None of the positions are civil service, which would require more advance notice before layoffs. Affected employees will receive official notices Tuesday, Morrill said.

The layoffs will save about $1.3 million for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends June 30. Morrill said it would amount to nearly $4.3 million in savings for Fiscal Year 2011, which starts July 1. It’s unclear what impact the cuts would have on the proposed tax hike.

The city council rushed to introduce its $492 million operating budget last month in order to accept $14 million in state aid.
The budget is $31.6 million higher than the previous fiscal year and carries a $190 million tax levy, up $40 million from the previous year. Without cuts, the proposed budget would raise taxes by about $800 for the owner of a home assessed at $100,000, city officials said.

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the budget, which is still has time to amend, Feb. 24. The city has taken other steps to close the budget gap. Healy announced last month that four fire companies are closing and the city’s arson unit was being scaled back. While that doesn’t put any firefighters out of work, Morrill said the move would cut back on overtime costs.

[The Badger]

For what it's worth:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-the-jersey-city-tax-increase.html

[nugnfutz]

Why don't we get every JC homeowner to challenge their property tax bill. And I mean every one. Any way of getting a lawyer to take this case and represent us? Let's pool our resources and give the City and county hell on their property assessments.

[duke_of_earl]

As the city prepares the budget, it has attempted to make cuts. In a prepared statement, Mayor Jerramiah Healy stated that the city has dropped the number of fire companies from 26 to 22 and has asked department directors to make “sizeable cuts in their budgets.”

Asking them is useless.  Every department director will come crying back to Healy with stories about how they *need* every cent and please give them more.

The mayor admitted that this is not going to fix the budget, but said, “Unfortunately, despite these drastic measures, there will still be a tax increase due to increased costs and decline in revenue.”

Just wait until next year when revenues decrease even more and expenditures continue to increase.

duke

[speaknj]

<a href="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9112446&amp;amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;amp;show_title=1&amp;amp;show_byline=1&amp;amp;show_portrait=0&amp;amp;color=&amp;amp;fullscreen=1" target="_blank" class="new_win">http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9112446&amp;amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;amp;show_title=1&amp;amp;show_byline=1&amp;amp;show_portrait=0&amp;amp;color=&amp;amp;fullscreen=1</a>
Public Protests Tax Increases in Jersey City

[MCA™]

JC  Reporter:


Taxes to rise; residents angry
Hundreds protest at City Council meeting
by Brain Furgione
Reporter Correspondent

Despite protests from scores of Jersey City residents at Wednesday’s City Council meeting, the council voted to exceed state-imposed budget spending limits and increase taxes this year.

The council passed the ordinance to exceed limits by a vote of 5-3. Councilman Mariano Vega Jr. was absent from the meeting. Councilman Steven Fulop, Councilwoman Viola Richardson, and Councilwomen Nidia Lopez were the “nay” votes.

Despite $14 million in aid given to Jersey City by the state, the city’s $507 million budget is expected to result in a major tax increase this year.

Introduced Jan. 13, more than six months into the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the budget is up $32 million over 2008-2009. It asks the public to contribute more than $195 million in taxes, up $44 million over last year.

The increased tax levy, and city employee furloughs expected to save $2 million, are attempts to close a budget deficit conservatively estimated to be over $40 million.

The budget runs from last July 1 through this coming June 30, 2010. Local budgets are often late as cities wait for state aid numbers.

Property owners pay one “overall tax” that is comprised of the city tax (the one affected by the city budget), the county tax, and the school tax.

Distrust
Councilman Fulop said Wednesday that he understood the people’s “distrust” in the governing body and would continue to vote “no” as he has done in the past, saying it wasn’t fair to burden the taxpayers for the city government’s lack of fiscal responsibility.

When the budget was introduced Jan. 13, Fulop estimated the increased tax levy would cost taxpayers an additional $800 for a $100,000 property in the first quarter alone.

‘What have you done for this city?’
The residents demonstrated their approval of Fulop, Richardson, and Lopez’s votes with a large roar of applause and whistling, although Councilwoman Richardson asked them not to shout their approval.

Each vote to pass the ordinance was met by swarms of boos and jeers from the townspeople.

When the ordinance was opened for public comment, residents voiced their concerns and waved signs stating “Crooks, bring our tax money back from the Cayman Islands” and “Stop Taxes Now!”

City resident Yvonne Balcer questioned the governing body on why they try to provide affordable housing, but disregard the thought of affordable taxes.

“We can not live from hand to mouth anymore,” she said. Her plea resulted in cheering and a standing ovation from the audience.

During the open public hearing, more than 40 people signed up to voice their concerns. One by one, residents filed to the microphone, each telling the council a similar version of the same tale.

Some residents offered their alternatives to higher taxes, such as asking part-time city workers to give up benefits, cell phones, and city cars. They questioned why so many tax abatements were given to bail out developers. May pleaded with the council to find another way to tame the budget.

Esther Wintner called the council a bunch of “Corruptacrats.” When she asked the City Council, “What have you done for this city?” the crowd answered for them, blaring, “Nothing!”

City Clerk Robert Byrne finally got her to relinquish the podium as Ms. Wintner went over the allotted time of five minutes. She led the crowd in a chant of “No More Taxes!” while Council President Peter Brennan struggled to bring the room back to order.

As the city prepares the budget, it has attempted to make cuts. In a prepared statement, Mayor Jerramiah Healy stated that the city has dropped the number of fire companies from 26 to 22 and has asked department directors to make “sizeable cuts in their budgets.”

The mayor admitted that this is not going to fix the budget, but said, “Unfortunately, despite these drastic measures, there will still be a tax increase due to increased costs and decline in revenue.”

[MCA™]

Jersey City residents protest tax hike at City Council meeting
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
January 27, 2010, 10:28PM

Chanting "no more taxes" hundreds of city council residents flooded tonight's Jersey City Council meeting. More than 300 people attended tonight's meeting after getting their quarterly tax bills.

In a rush to include $14 million in state state aid before Jon S. Corzine left the governor's office, the City Council introduced a $492 million budget that if left unchanged could hike taxes for the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 by as much as $800. The budget, which could be finalized in March, is for the current fiscal year that ends June 30.

Residents stepped up to the microphone pleading with council members to lessen the blow and offering suggestions like eliminating cars for council members and city employees. Another suggestion was eliminating benefits for part-time employees and appointees to city boards and commissions, a measure Councilman Steven Fulop said he plans to introduce at the next meeting.

The residents urged the council to make the tough decisions they have had to make in their own lives while facing pay cuts, layoffs and increased health care costs. The rally was organized through the Web site JCList.com.

Esther Wintner drew applause when she said, "I am not your ATM." John Lynch, another resident who organized tonight's rally, said he hopes to see the same crowd at the next City Council meeting.

While the public hearing on the budget isn't until next month, there was an ordinance, which is approved annually, that would allow the city to exceed the state budget cap. Fulop, Councilwoman Nidia Lopez and Councilwoman Viola Richardson voted against the measure after hearing lengthy testimony from residents. Councilman Mariano Vega was absent.

[nugnfutz]

Can we start a kinda poll if possible?

Meaning can we put up every name of the JC council, then against them put up every vote they have over the year on spending, rebates/pilots, debt issuance and the like? It would be good to show who voted for what and when. Particularly those pols who have no regard for fiscal responsibility/accountability.

[duke_of_earl]

 

That's pretty much what I expected, but I thought I'd throw the question out there.

duke

[bdlaw]

"But Mr Dent, the plans have been available in the local planning office for the last nine months."

"Oh yes, well as soon as I heard I went straight round to see them, yesterday afternoon. You hadn't exactly gone out of your way to call attention to them, had you? I mean, like actually telling anybody or anything."

"But the plans were on display ..."

"On display? I eventually had to go down to the cellar to find them."

"That's the display department."

"With a flashlight."

"Ah, well the lights had probably gone."

"So had the stairs."

"But look, you found the notice didn't you?"

"Yes," said Arthur, "yes I did. It was on display in the bottom of a locked filing cabinet stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying 'Beware of the Leopard'."

[duke_of_earl]

Does this exist anywhere online (or off...painful as it is)?  I found the 2009 budget, but would like the controversial 2010 against which to compare.

duke

[duke_of_earl]

I presume this is the same rally mentioned below in an email I received from One Jersey City.  I think the Vega's planning a furlough that day.

duke


--------------------------------------------------------------------
Your Taxes
Municipal Budget

We are calling on all Jersey City tax payers (property owners and renters) to speak to your elected
representatives about the newly introduced budget that could mean a substantial increase in our property tax bills. Please come out to the
City Council meeting at City Hall (280 Grove St.) on Wednesday January 27th at 6pmto demand that real changes are made to address a
situation that greatly burdens Jersey City residents.

With budget shortfalls and new education costs imminent, the mayor and most members of the city council have not presented a comprehensive strategy
to stabilize or reduce property taxes. Many of our tax dollars go to pay for a loaded government bureaucracy formed through nepotism and
patronage. We are left with a government that is ineffectual, inefficient, and EXPENSIVE. This must change and we encourage all of
you to come to the City Council meeting to let your voices be heard. Let the council members know that a tax increase is UNACCEPTABLE.
If you plan on speaking be sure to contact the Office of the City Clerk by Tuesday at 201.547.5150.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

[duke_of_earl]

"It's enough," she said. "I have yet to see the City Council do what many people have had to go through now, which is take a reduction in salary. A lot of people have taken a reduction in salary to save their jobs."

City workers have taken a hit. They have been forced to take 12 furlough days, including today, without pay over a six-month period to help reduce the budget.

The rally is planned for outside City Hall, 280 Grove St., before the 6 p.m. meeting.

Esther should spend more time reading the Corruption Scandal thread and she would realize that the Council's salaries could be zero and they would still profit from the position.  Reducing their pay is a pointless red herring.

And remember, the last rally did nothing, what exactly is the expectation of this rally which is bound to have far less people and far less news coverage?

duke

[MCA™]

City Hall rally to protest Jersey City budget set for Wednesday
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
January 22, 2010, 6:00AM

A Jersey City resident is leading a grassroots effort to protest the recently introduced city budget.

In a rush to receive $14 million in state aid before Jon S. Corzine left the governor's office, the City Council introduced a $492 million budget that if left unchanged could hike taxes for the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 by as much as $800. City officials have said they intend to make cuts to lessen the expected tax hike.

Esther Winter, a city resident since 1987, said she normally reads the news, not makes it. But when she read about the proposed budget, she was angry and decided to do something. She posted a thread on JCList.com and now has other city residents riled up and ready to protest at Wednesday's City Council meeting.

"I really have a feeling that things are just ripe right now," she said. "People have really had it and people start to find out that property taxes are going up again." Winter said crime remains a problem, the schools are failing to meet state standards and services are being cut, all while taxes are increasing, including an 11 percent hike last year.

"It's enough," she said. "I have yet to see the City Council do what many people have had to go through now, which is take a reduction in salary. A lot of people have taken a reduction in salary to save their jobs."

City workers have taken a hit. They have been forced to take 12 furlough days, including today, without pay over a six-month period to help reduce the budget.

The rally is planned for outside City Hall, 280 Grove St., before the 6 p.m. meeting.

[MCA™]

Jersey City budget, with $40 million tax increase, not finalized, say officials
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
January 14, 2010, 5:25PM

Jersey City has introduced a $492 million budget that carries a hefty tax hike. But city officials say the current fiscal year's budget is far from finalized.

As introduced, the budget is $31.6 million more than last year and carries a $190 million tax levy, up $40 million from last year. If the budget remains as is, city Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly said taxes could increase $800 for the owner of a home assessed at $100,000.

Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy released a statement saying the budget is far from final, but also said several cuts have already been made. "We are looking at a reduction in staff and have already reduced our fire department from 26 companies to 22 companies," Healy said. Healy's spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said no firefighters were axed. But the 13-member arson unit was cut to two. Firefighters from that unit and the closed companies will reduce overtime at other firehouses, she said.

The council hastily approved the budget Wednesday, after receiving it minutes before the meeting. Officials said it was a stipulation of the city getting $14 million in special municipal aid approved by the state Local Finance Board that day.

Ward E Councilman Steven Fulop was the lone member to vote against it. "I can't begin to understand how the mayor and council could approve introduction of a budget they hadn't read," he said. "It wasn't on the agenda. There was no advance notice." Ward D Councilman Bill Gaughan said introducing the budget with the $14 million in aid, also served as security.

Outgoing Gov. Jon S. Corzine pushed through $44 million in last minute aid, including the money for Jersey City and $11 million for Union City, at the objection of Gov.-elect Chris Christie. He takes office Tuesday. "We were kind of protecting ourselves to make sure we maintain it against the new governor," Gaughan said.

Healy said officials are "meeting regularly with department directors, and exploring all areas where cuts can be made and revenue can be generated."

[jlanning17]

is there anybody in the JC government who actually cares about the residents of JC?  does this fulop character actually give a sh!t and does he actually have some foresight and sense with his opposition to deferring pension plan payments as opposed to just cutting spending, or is he another double talker who is just trying to get his own opportunity to screw us in order to line his pockets?

i love jersey city.  i love the location, the diversity, the restaurants, bars, the culture.  it's an awesome place, except for the scumbag idiots running the town.  i wanna go on a huge rant right now!  but i should probably get back to work.  outside of the actual people running the show, the thing i hate the most right now is Christopher Columbus Drive.  if anything shows ineptitude, it is the condition of that road, not to mention the grand plan to eliminate parking spots in order to add another lane.  it's like a microcosm of JC government strategy: hurt the residents who use those parking spots on a daily basis in order to get people to the waterfront more quickly.

where's my blood pressure medicine!

[skwirrlking]

$800 increase for a property assessed at $100,000! That's something like 12% probably more for me! This after an 11% increase a few months ago! The whole goddamn east side of the city is abated, they get no increase with their granite countertops and stainless steel appliances and smarmy doormen and in-building gym and pool! They have nice things! I have shit! I have a tax increase!

every time you mass abate, god kills a puppy

[fasteddie]

$800 increase for a property assessed at $100,000! That's something like 12% probably more for me! This after an 11% increase a few months ago! The whole goddamn east side of the city is abated, they get no increase with their granite countertops and stainless steel appliances and smarmy doormen and in-building gym and pool! They have nice things! I have shit! I have a tax increase!

Jersey City Council introduces budget that hikes taxes
By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
January 13, 2010, 8:52PM

The Jersey City Council quickly introduced a budget tonight in an effort to hold onto $14 million in state aid that was approved today.

The budget carries a $190 million tax levy, up $40 million over last year’s.

City Business Administrator Brian O’Reilly told council members that if the levy is not reduce the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 would see an $800 increase in city taxes.

Ward D Councilman Bill Guaughan, a member of the budget committee, said the council plans to make cuts.

The budget was not originally on last night’s agenda, but was added after the Local Finance Board approved $14 million in special municipal aid.

Guaghan said officials wanted to include those funds in the budget so Gov.-Elect Chris Christie, who opposes the aid, cannot revoke it.

Additional information on the budget was not available tonight. Check back tomorrow for futher details.

[MCA™]

A press release from the Ward "E" Councilman:


Councilman Fulop Introduces Tax Payment Plan to Help Struggling Jersey City Families
 
Jersey City - Monday, January 4, 2010: Councilman Steven Fulop (http://www.stevenfulop.com) announced today that he will introduce an ordinance at the next council meeting, on Wednesday January 13th, creating a Jersey City tax payment plan for struggling Jersey City families.
 
“2009 was a very hard year for Jersey City. This ordinance is being introduced on the heels of not only an 11.25% tax increase for residents, but many controversial tax abatements for developers, and a municipal budget that is more than 6 months late. I believe that this tax payment plan is crucial to helping the many struggling families in Jersey City,” Councilman Steven Fulop said.
 
Some specifics of the tax payment plan ordinance include:
 

• Provide homeowners the option  to set a payment plan, for up to 3 years for qualified families, for taxes prior to the city pursuing a tax lien on the property
• Allow homeowners that are currently collecting unemployment or have fallen on a difficult personal financial situation and have applied to a bank for a loan that has not been granted, an opportunity to qualify for the program
• Ensure the city  can only  accrue interest on the delinquent payment rather than the entire tax bill
• Establish a Council-created  subcommittee to review resident applications with a recommendation from the tax collector

“Every single day we hear of struggling families in Jersey City. Nearly half of all Jersey City homeowners pay their own taxes directly to the city rather than through a mortgage company. As a government we need to do everything can in order to make sure that hardworking families don’t lose their homes.”

[duke_of_earl]

Genius!  What could possibly go wrong with this plan?

duke

[MCA™]

HEALY PLAN: DEFER MORE PENSION $$
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
By MELISSA HAYES
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Jersey City officials are hoping to again defer state pension payments to help balance the city's budget.

State Sen. Sandra B. Cunningham and Assemblywoman Joan Quigley, both of Jersey City, recently introduced legislation that would allow municipalities to defer up to 50 percent of their state pension contributions for a second year in a row.

The legislation was introduced at the request of Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, both women said.

"This is a difficult bill. It's difficult for me to do it, to be honest," Cunningham said. "I'm doing it at the request of the mayor and because my responsibility is to support Jersey City and Bayonne legislatively in Trenton."

She said the legislation is necessary to prevent hefty tax hikes. City taxes have increased 11.25 percent since July 1.

"We view the pension deferral as one of several measures to offset any deficit and we view it as an interim measure," Healy said. "We are confident the economy will rebound, generating more revenue and ratables for Jersey City."

Ward E Councilman Steve Fulop called paying interest on the deferred payments a bad idea.

"Rather than making tough decisions to cut political patronage, this pension scheme will kick the can down the road so that every year going forward we will start paying larger interest on current obligations instead of paying commitments today," Fulop said.

Jersey City deferred $14.8 million in pension payments in the last fiscal year and the administration has yet to craft the 2009-2010 budget. Officials have said they're facing a $40 million budget deficit this year.

But before the city can count on another deferral, the Senate and Assembly must pass the bills and get the governor's approval.

The Cunningham and Quigley bills call for repaying the deferred amount back over 15 years, with interest.

The interest rate is estimated at about 8.25 percent, but could change with the market.

Gov.-elect Chris Christie last night said he opposes the legislation.

He added the issue does not affect his respect for Cunningham, who is a member of his transition team.

[nugnfutz]

Here's the my result from easytaxfix.com for my property, which helps illustrate the process. "A" is what appears on my property tax bill, which implies the City thinks my property is worth  $962,559. Easytaxfix thinks it's worth even more, however I recently received an indepedent appraisal for $600k. This means I have a good basis for an appeal.

Hmm, that link just dumps me on the home page.  It appears that you believe that the city tries to mark each property to market every year and tax you on that.  I do not think that is the case for any property except for new purchases.

I think they only work from your assessed value that you can see on the other link you sent me.

duke

Nope. I know the City doesn't MTM every year, more like every 4 years or so. But it looks like they did one start of 2009 - at least in my area. You may need to enable pop-ups from the site to allow it to work for you.

If you like, PM me your address and I'll return you the easytaxfix result. I'm not selling anything btw nor afiliated with the site.
 

[duke_of_earl]

Here's the my result from easytaxfix.com for my property, which helps illustrate the process. "A" is what appears on my property tax bill, which implies the City thinks my property is worth  $962,559. Easytaxfix thinks it's worth even more, however I recently received an indepedent appraisal for $600k. This means I have a good basis for an appeal.

Hmm, that link just dumps me on the home page.  It appears that you believe that the city tries to mark each property to market every year and tax you on that.  I do not think that is the case for any property except for new purchases.

I think they only work from your assessed value that you can see on the other link you sent me.

duke

[nugnfutz]

This year for example, you may be assessed at $260k, but they're actually implying your property is worth $1m, since the JC "equalization" rate is 26%.

Can you clarify the equalization rate?  Cause I really have no idea how my taxes are calculated.  The assessed value seems meaningless.

duke

The City basically determines the market value of your home, either the purchase price, or does a revaluation every few years - they seem to have done one for 2009. They then multiply this by the "equalization" rate determined by the county to come up with an assessment value. I think the idea behind the equalization rates is to distribute the property tax burden fairly across the county.

See http://www.hudsoncountytax.com/html/RatesRatios.aspx

Here's the my result from easytaxfix.com for my property, which helps illustrate the process. "A" is what appears on my property tax bill, which implies the City thinks my property is worth  $962,559. Easytaxfix thinks it's worth even more, however I recently received an indepedent appraisal for $600k. This means I have a good basis for an appeal.

Your potential savings based on THREE preliminary recent comparable sales in your municipality:
     
A. Your current assessment (Edit)           $246,800
B. JERSEY CITY  county equalization rate   26%
C. Market value, per the County (A / B)   $962,559

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
D. Avg. per square foot of selected comparables (from below)   $447
E. Your property square footage   2,385
F. The proposed market value (D x E)   $1,065,406

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
G. The proposed assessment (F x B)   $273,170 
H. Assessed value difference (A - G)   ($26,370)
 
I. Estimated JERSEY CITY  Property Taxes   5.55% 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Estimated Annual Savings (H x I)    NO SAVINGS 

[duke_of_earl]

This year for example, you may be assessed at $260k, but they're actually implying your property is worth $1m, since the JC "equalization" rate is 26%.

Can you clarify the equalization rate?  Cause I really have no idea how my taxes are calculated.  The assessed value seems meaningless.

duke

[nugnfutz]

What bugs me is the way property tax is assessed is designed to confuse the individual taxpayer. So for example, on the tax bill they say your property is assessed at given value. They tell you the assessed value, but not the implied property value.

This year for example, you may be assessed at $260k, but they're actually implying your property is worth $1m, since the JC "equalization" rate is 26%.

I'd encourage everyone to check out the links below. It's not worth appealing if the actual market value is within 15% of the implied assessment value.

WWW.EASYTAXFIX.COM

Note both the City and easytaxfix can get the house valuations badly wrong. Both valued my property at around $1m, but it appraised for $600k when I refinanced.

To prepare my tax appeal I plan to compare recent sales and City valuations of near equivalent properties in the area. In my case I walked around JC and noted addresses of similarly constructed properties, then used the Hudson county website to figure their assessments. (Its better than jerseycityonline since it shows more details on class/age of building, etc). Zillow.com is also a useful resource.

http://www.hudsoncountytax.com/html/taxAppealFAQ.aspx

www.zillow.com

[bdlaw]

Surprise, surprise...

[Isilme]

Let's see, developers get better "hardship" abatements, someone on the city payroll gets "wage increases" and we get an 11.25% tax increase and THE SHAFT - again. 

[skwirrlking]

From the Jersey Journal:

Jersey City council votes 11.25% tax hike
Thursday, July 09, 2009

The Jersey City City Council last night passed an 11.25 percent tax hike by a vote of 8-1, with only Ward E Councilman Steve Fulop voting against the measure.

The council approved an estimated tax levy of $170 million, which will be used to calculate August and November tax bills. The amount is based on what city officials consider necessary to meet expenses, including salary increases and health insurance costs.

AMY SARA CLARK

--- who the f*** is getting a raise right now?

[Woodsy]

From the Jersey Journal:

Jersey City council votes 11.25% tax hike
Thursday, July 09, 2009

The Jersey City City Council last night passed an 11.25 percent tax hike by a vote of 8-1, with only Ward E Councilman Steve Fulop voting against the measure.

The council approved an estimated tax levy of $170 million, which will be used to calculate August and November tax bills. The amount is based on what city officials consider necessary to meet expenses, including salary increases and health insurance costs.

If city officials go the entire fiscal year without cutting $17.9 million from their anticipated spending plan, the result would be a tax hike of $450 for a home assessed at $100,000, said city Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly.

Fulop said he voted against the measure because raising taxes at the beginning of the fiscal year is like "admitting failure right out of the gate."

O'Reilly said raising taxes now would prevent steep hikes in the second half.

Before his re-election on May 12, Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy presented the City Council with a budget for the fiscal year that ended June 30 with virtually no tax increase.

Yesterday, his spokeswoman, Jennifer Morrill, defended the post-election tax hike.

"He is committed to continuing to work to minimize any tax increase, but everyone must bear in mind how severe the national economic situation is," she said.

To save money, Morrill said, Healy has instituted a voluntary furlough program in which employees are allowed to take up to 30 unpaid days off; instructed department directors to cut their budgets by 10 percent; continued a hiring freeze and a no-overtime policy unless absolutely necessary; and has continued to hunt for outside revenue.

During the public comment portion of last night's meeting, Jersey City resident Fletcher Gensamer, who was laid off last fall, said residents can't afford another tax hike.

AMY SARA CLARK

[duke_of_earl]

Hey City Council! GO FUCK YOURSELF WITH YOUR TAX INCREASE!

The Jersey City 11.25 percent tax increase passed by a vote of 8-1 tonight with Ward E Councilman Steve Fulop the only council member to vote against the measure.

Ooh man, what a call!  I should have taken bets.  Either I'm prescient or the city council members were lying about not knowing what was going to happen.

Although the rest of the council voted for the increase, they promised to work on cutting the budget to bring taxes back down for the second two quarters.

"It should not be classified of a tax increase yet," said Ward D Councilman Bill Gaughan. "I think I can say confidently that members of the City Council will work diligently to cut the budget."

Heard after the meeting...."Well, work's done!  On to more tax abatements!"  I can promise you two things. 1) There will be no cuts in the budget and 2) there will be an increase in budget next year.

Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy said he has has already taken steps to cut next year's budget including:

    • instituting a voluntary furlough program where employees are allowed to take up to 30 unpaid days off

    • instructing all directors to cut their budgets by 10 percent

    • continue his hiring freeze and no-overtime-unless-absolutely-necessary policy

    • continue to look for outside revenue sources such as grants and stimulus funds

Let me guess how many employees are going to take unpaid leave....ZERO.  Who in their right mind would turn away money in this economy??  No director is going to cut a budget unless forced.   By it's very nature, all overtime is necessary.  And looking for grants??  Yes, surely free money is available that nobody else has asked for!  Genius!

"The mayor ran on a platform that touted his record of keeping municipal taxes stable for three years in a row," said Healy spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill. "He is committed to continuing to work to minimize any tax increase, but everyone must bear in mind how severe the national economic situation is."

What is she talking about?  The economic situation doesn't seem so bad for the Jersey City municipal budget.  Unemployment is at record levels and the taxes keep going up to support a rising budget?

duke

[fasteddie]

Hey City Council! GO FUCK YOURSELF WITH YOUR TAX INCREASE!

The Jersey City 11.25 percent tax increase passed by a vote of 8-1 tonight with Ward E Councilman Steve Fulop the only council member to vote against the measure.

Fulop said raising taxes at the beginning of the year is like "admitting failure right out of the gate."

But Jersey City Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly said raising taxes at the beginning of the year only made sense.

Why?

He says that in past years the city has kept taxes low for the first half of the fiscal year and then dramatically raised them in the second half to make up for shortfalls. This year he wants to try to keep taxes even throughout the four quarters.

He also said that in past years Jersey City hasn't had enough money to pay its expenses in the first half of the year, causing the city to borrow money from other accounts (such as an account for capitol funds). This kind of borrowing lowers the city's credit rating, he said.

Although the rest of the council voted for the increase, they promised to work on cutting the budget to bring taxes back down for the second two quarters.

"It should not be classified of a tax increase yet," said Ward D Councilman Bill Gaughan. "I think I can say confidently that members of the City Council will work diligently to cut the budget."

Despite an early meeting time of 5 p.m., about two dozen members of the public came to the meeting and a handful spoke against the tax hike.

"I ask the council to realize that people are hurting," said Fletcher Gensamer, who said he was laid off in the fall and is struggling to pay his tax bill.

Dick Shephard, who grew up in Jersey City but now lives in New York City, said voting for the tax increase was perpetuating a system of no-show jobs and double dipping.

Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy said he has has already taken steps to cut next year's budget including:

    • instituting a voluntary furlough program where employees are allowed to take up to 30 unpaid days off

    • instructing all directors to cut their budgets by 10 percent

    • continue his hiring freeze and no-overtime-unless-absolutely-necessary policy

    • continue to look for outside revenue sources such as grants and stimulus funds

"The mayor ran on a platform that touted his record of keeping municipal taxes stable for three years in a row," said Healy spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill. "He is committed to continuing to work to minimize any tax increase, but everyone must bear in mind how severe the national economic situation is."

[Woodsy]

But whether taxes go up will depend on the amount of new ratables and other revenue coming into the city, officials said.

Let's see...record numbers of people challenging their property taxes, a city council that can't manage to create enough tax abatements, a predicted $62 million decrease in tax revenue, and increasing annual budgets while in the midst of a global financial crisis....

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that taxes are going to go up.

duke

P.S.  I'll go one step further and predict a vote of 8-1 for raising taxes.

You left off "reductions in the percentage of annual gross revenue payed to the city from PILOT payments."  Much as I think that tax abatements have been misused and mismanaged in the past, this takes the cake.  If you don't like the tax abatement you negotiated then you can decline the payment and pay your regularly scheduled taxes.  It's not the city's responsibility to make sure that you make a profit on your business dealings.

[duke_of_earl]

But whether taxes go up will depend on the amount of new ratables and other revenue coming into the city, officials said.

Let's see...record numbers of people challenging their property taxes, a city council that can't manage to create enough tax abatements, a predicted $62 million decrease in tax revenue, and increasing annual budgets while in the midst of a global financial crisis....

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that taxes are going to go up.

duke

P.S.  I'll go one step further and predict a vote of 8-1 for raising taxes.

[MCA™]

Should city brace for a tax hike?
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
By AMY SARA CLARK
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

The Jersey City City Council is scheduled to vote on a new tax rate for the next two fiscal quarters at tomorrow night's meeting. But officials yesterday were mum on how much taxes will go up - if at all - if the measure passes.

The council is being asked to approve a $170 million tax levy for the fiscal year that began July 1 - $17.9 million more than last year's tax levy.

But whether taxes go up will depend on the amount of new ratables and other revenue coming into the city, officials said.

Jennifer Morrill, a spokeswoman for Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, said yesterday she didn't know if taxes are going up. Calls to Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly and Tax Collector Maureen Cosgrove were not returned.

Even City Council members seemed to be in the dark.

Ward D Councilman Bill Gaughan and Ward E Councilman Steven Fulop said they didn't know what to expect at tomorrow's vote.

A City Hall source said Jersey City is heading into the new fiscal year with an expected $62 million less in revenue than last year.

This special meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 280 Grove St.

[MCA™]

No tax hike for Jersey City residents this year
by Amy Sara Clark / The Jersey Journal
Thursday May 07, 2009, 9:34 PM

Jersey City property taxpayers will see virtually no tax increase in the bills they are due to receive late next week.

The average taxpayer, who has a property assessed between $100,000 and $110,000 will see an increase of about $3 over last year, said Brian O'Reilly, the city's business administrator at at a special City Council meeting held last night.

The City Council unanimously adopted the $474 million budget for the fiscal year that ends June 30, with words of congratulations for O'Reilly and his staff, and a few for themselves as well.

"When you read in the newspaper about tax revolts in West NY and Hoboken it's a real pleasure to serve here," said Ward C Councilman Steve Lipski. "To raise municipal taxes $3, this is not only 'change you can see,' this is dollars and sense you can feel,"

Last month, city officials had to amend the budget after learning that it only received $5 million of the $7.2 million it received in state aid. The city made up the shortfall through leftover revenue from last year that was unexpected and by applying for, and receiving monies for grants it was due in past year but never received.

"It is a late budget," said O'Reilly. "But at the end of the day, since we're not raising taxes, the ultimate goal has been met.

The $474.0 million budget represents a $10.1 million jump over last year's $463.9 million spending plan. But the tax levy is nearly identical to last year allowing the tax rate to remain virtually stable at $25.50, compared to $25.47 last year.

"The administration worked diligently to produce a budget that reflected no tax increase, in an effort to not create an additional burden on the Jersey City taxpayer," said Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy in a written statement.

There were only two speakers on the budget during the public portion.

Joe Krajnik, president of the Uniformed Fire Fighters Association of Jersey City, heartily praised the city for the lack of a tax increase, but added that he wished money had been allocated for more firefighters.

"The problem we have with this amendment is that it doesn't go far enough. We are understaffed in the fire service," he said.

Resident Yvonne Balcer pointed out that even if there is no tax hike, the budget is still high. "We are $26 million away from a half million dollar budget," she said. "Frightening."

[MCA™]

JJ:


Won't see tax bills until after election
Monday, April 27, 2009
By AMY SARA CLARK
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Jersey City taxpayers are not likely to receive second quarter tax bills until after they pull the lever in the May 12 municipal elections.

The bills are scheduled to be sent out on May 11 - the day before the elections and three weeks later than last year, city officials confirmed last week.

Why the delay?

City officials said it all has to do with the city's application for special municipal aid from the state, which delayed the introduction and adoption of a final spending plan for the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2008 and will end on June 30. The council introduced their budget on Feb 9.

The state announced on April 14 that the city would receive $5 million in special municipal aid, $2.2 million less than what the city had requested, city spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said.

The city spent a week trying to get state officials to bump up the amount, she said. But state officials would not budge and the city had to cut its budget, get the City Council to approve the changes and then hold final budget hearings, Morrill said.

Because of the need to advertise the hearings properly under the state Sunshine Law, the public hearing and final vote is scheduled for May 7.

Officials said it takes about two business days to print and mail the bills, so they are not likely to be sent out until May 11. This means most taxpayers will receive the bills after the May 12 municipal election.

Taxpayers will then have 25 days to pay, city Tax Collector Maureen Cosgrove said.

City Clerk Robert Byrne said the public hearing could have been moved up if not for conflicts with the City Council Chambers, he only room large enough to hold public hearings. The Historic Preservation Commission has the room booked on May 4, the Planning Board on the 5th, and there is a graduation ceremony on the 6th, he said.

As to having the meeting elsewhere, Byrne said, "Then we would be criticized for holding a budget hearing in an alternate site."

Morrill - whose boss, Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy is up for re-election on May 12 - insisted there was no political reason for the delay because there is no municipal tax hike in the bill.

But at least one mayoral hopeful sees a politically-timed glitch.

"Clearly in the last month every action taken by the city has been geared toward the election," said David Cruz, a spokesman for Assemblyman Harvey Smith, who is a mayoral candidate.

"If it were going to be a tax cut," Cruz added, "then you can be sure that the mayor would have made sure that people would have gotten (the bills) already."

[G_Elkind]

I'm no fan of deferring Jersey City’s 2008 pension funding, but I've really grown tired of reflexive, ad hominem criticisms on the part of our Ward E councilman. It might make for entertaining sound bites, but it doesn’t point the way forward on how to fix Jersey City's perennial financial and budgetary problems.

So is it the "height of irresponsibility" and an election year gimmick?  What’s the alternative? Restore the $15 million pension fund payment to the budget? Would this be the politically correct reformist thing to do?

It always appears to be a win-win when you get to blame the powers that be no matter what they do. If they defer and keep taxes steady -- they're "irresponsible". If they don't defer and raise taxes -- they're "irresponsible". If they cut from the police, fire and other essential city service budgets, placing residents at greater risk -- they’re “irresponsible”.

If we’re going to hold the city administration accountable for budgetary outcomes, why should we give the legislative branch of city government a free pass when it comes to their legislative responsibility to critically and thoroughly examine every element of the city’s budget -- line-by-line, and on a holistic basis? Our council people should not get off the hook by pointing the finger in the other direction and saying it's not within their legislative prerogative to propose alternatives or it’s not their role to scrutinize the budget with greater care.

Jersey City’s financial and budgetary process has been broken for decades -- it’s a systemic problem we’ve let drag on for way too long. Like Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme, we always found enough quick cash from new sources to string us along from year-to-year, and we managed to duck the inevitable. This worked as long as the economy and market around us was growing. We’ve had a number of close calls over the years, but it’s taken a financial credit crisis of global proportions to make the cracks plainly visible.

The quick fix of choice in the flush years – accelerating new tax abatements – didn’t really come to the rescue in the 2008 budget, and it may fall farther short in 2009. I really hope I’m wrong, but with the real estate market still in turmoil, even previously agreed upon PILOT payments are at risk of falling short. It’s unfortunate, but the pension deferral for the 2008 budget year is perhaps an unavoidable best choice among alternatives that appear to range from poor to unacceptable. Call it what you want, election year or not, in the absence of better alternatives, the city probably made the right - but difficult call - to defer and avoid raising taxes.

Raising property taxes now would make a bad situation even worse. How callous would it be to raise taxes on those far less fortunate Jersey City residents who teeter on the edge of foreclosure?  Today’s article in the Jersey City independent comes to mind, and is an excellent read --> the Jersey City Independent. But we shouldn’t get too complacent. This year’s Hoboken property tax massacre could be the prequel for Jersey’s City’s own 2009 budget nightmare, especially if we continue accepting the status quo ante from our legislators

There is plenty of waste to be trimmed without materially affecting the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of essential city services. Candidates who claim to be reformers should be tackling these issues head on, and visibly – but they’re not. Are they too politically compromised or fearful of the deals they’ve made to risk an honest public discussion of how to fix our city’s budget? If so, then they are not very different than those they have railed against for the past four years.

Geoff Elkind

[MCA™]

Jersey City puts off $14.8M pension payment
Friday, March 27, 2009
By AMY SARA CLARK
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

By an 8-1 vote, the Jersey City City Council passed a resolution Wednesday to ask the state Local Finance Board to allow Jersey City to defer $14.8 million in pension payments.

To help in these tough economic times, Gov. Jon Corzine signed a law last week to allow municipalities to defer up to half of their pension payments for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. Councilman Steve Fulop cast the lone dissenting vote, calling the request for the deferral "the height of irresponsibility" and an election-year gimmick that only pushes the burden into the future.

Resident Yvonne Balcer spoke against the resolution during the public portion of the meeting.

"It's still borrowing and it's debt piled upon debt," she said. "It's going to come down and crash on people as it's crashing down on people in Hoboken and in West New York."

Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy defended the deferral.

"The pension program was unfunded for years during the (Christine Todd) Whitman and (Jim) McGreevey administrations, and now in the time of the new Great Depression we're deferring only 50 percent," Healy said.

"This is something that mayors and county leaders across the state have asked for and feel is critical due to the current economic situation our state and our nation face," he added.

[G_Elkind]

Am I reading that the average police officer in JC makes $101,903 per year? ($91million divided by 893)  Or does that number include benefits paid to past officers?  I assume it must...

Your assumption is incorrect.

Unfortunately, the current version of the city budget does not provide enough detail to back into the average cost per police department employee. There are fixed infrastructure costs and other expense line items unrelated to salary (eg. equipment, vests, cars, pension, etc. to name a few), which are included in the total number budget number you used. Without going into a budget reading lesson here, suffice it to say that your calculation results in a grossly overstated estimate. Even if you get a more detailed budget which identifies a salary line item -- this number itself may include other salary related costs (e.g., social security, insurance) which would need also to be backed out to derive an average salary estimate.

The public would be better served if the proposed detail behind the police and fire budgets were presented separately and transparently for public review as part of the city budget process.

Personally, I would disagree with Councilman Vega that cutting personnel is the only way to significantly cut spending, but managing a 5% reduction and maintaining current staffing levels should not be a problem for the police and fire departments.

At the end of the day, this still leaves perennial policy issues affecting costs such as staffing structure, overall departmental efficiency, deployment, overtime management and pension costs for future discussion.

Finally, Duke, the proposed 2009 budget increase of approximately 10.5 million is not a 22% increase over the 2008 budget. It's about 11.5% -- 10.5 million divided by 91 million. What exactly accounts for the increase would require a review of the detailed, proposed police department budget.

All the best.

Geoff

 

[duke_of_earl]

Although he agreed that reducing crime is a major priority, Vega said the only way to significantly reduce spending is to cut personnel.

That, or reducing the pay of the current personnel like private industry has been busy doing.

In 2008, the police budget was $91 million, or 19 percent of the city's overall $475.7 million budget. The proposed 2009-2010 Police Department budget is $101.5 million, or 22 percent of the $460.2 million proposed total budget.

There are currently 893 police officers in Jersey City, according to city records; that's roughly 100 more than when Healy took office in November 2004.[/size]

Am I reading that the average police officer in JC makes $101,903 per year? ($91million divided by 893)  Or does that number include benefits paid to past officers?  I assume it must...

Also, since the police budget increased 22% over 2008 and the council is asking for a 5% cut then isn't this still a 17% increase in police budget?  Why are we talking about cutting personnel?

duke

[MCA™]

Budget cuts at Jersey City Police Department might mean freeze on hiring cops
by Amy Sara Clark/The Jersey Journal
Monday March 16, 2009, 9:39 PM

The president of the Jersey City City Council might have bad news for community groups clamoring for more cops on the streets.

City Council President Mariano Vega Jr. asked police brass to plan for a 5 percent cut in their 2009-10 department budget at a Feb. 26 public hearing.

"I'm predicting next year's economic conditions are going to be bad. If that's going to happen we should look at what we can do," Vega said during a follow-up interview.

The recession is likely to lead to a drop in Urban Enterprise Zone, hotel and parking tax revenues, he added.

Vega said he plans to make the same request of all city departments.

Although he agreed that reducing crime is a major priority, Vega said the only way to significantly reduce spending is to cut personnel.

"The rubber hits the road with the Police and Fire departments," he said. "That's where all the money is at."

Roughly 75 percent of the money the city spends on its employees it spends on police and fire personnel, officials have said.

At the hearing, Police Director Samuel Jefferson said the cuts could be made up by government grants.

"But in the worst-case scenario, it would be two cycles (or one year) of not hiring a Jersey City cop," Jefferson said.

In a statement, Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy called the suggestion to reduce municipal spending by 5 percent "a valid one."

But he added: "We will never reduce funding for public safety. We will continue to maintain the same, or greater, level of service in the Police and Fire departments to protect the lives and well-being of our residents."

Earlier this month, city officials learned they would receive a $1.83 million grant from the federal stimulus package through the Department of Justice -- money that would be used "to maintain the current level of service of public safety," Healy said.

In 2008, the police budget was $91 million, or 19 percent of the city's overall $475.7 million budget. The proposed 2009-2010 Police Department budget is $101.5 million, or 22 percent of the $460.2 million proposed total budget.

There are currently 893 police officers in Jersey City, according to city records; that's roughly 100 more than when Healy took office in November 2004.

[jwhiten]

Yesterday, the city council passed the 2008-2009 fiscal year budget.  The budget should have been in placed last July 1, 2008 but as usual the money is already spent and the council must "rubber stamp" the approval of the budget.

A quick correction: The budget was not passed last night at council. The public hearing on the budget happened. The budget will be brought back as a second-read ordinance at the next council meeting (3/25), and if it is approved, then it will be "passed."

[speaknj]

Yesterday, the city council passed the 2008-2009 fiscal year budget.  The budget should have been in placed last July 1, 2008 but as usual the money is already spent and the council must "rubber stamp" the approval of the budget.
Jersey City was on a calendar year (January to December) but JC changed in 1991 to a fiscal year and bonded $128.9 Million called the fiscal year adjustment for missing state aid.  We are still paying millions every year on that fiscal year gimmick.
The idea of having a fiscal year instead of a calendar year was to match the state calendar so Jersey City would know how much money it would receive from the state.  It never happened.
On Wednesday, our government approved a budget without fully funding the pension. The Healy administration is hoping Trenton will pass legislation that will allow municipalities to fund 50% of pension obligation for this fiscal year, meaning $ 14.8 Million is missing from the budget.  What happens it Trenton does not pass this legislation?  Former Governor Whitman also played with the pension obligations and many towns and county governments were hurt by the process.  Many legislators in Trenton will put up a fight to stop this gimmick. 
The city is hoping to pay this $14.8 million in bonds payable over fifteen years, but my question is how will the city fund the pension obligations next year?
What is Plan B, if Trenton stops this gimmick?  By the way, fiscal year 2009-2010 is already in a $20 Million hole.  Due to the slow economy, the pre-payments of abatements are drying up and other one-shot deals that are in this budget will not be available next year?  Jersey City is heading in the same direction as Hoboken and West New York.
Yvonne

[speaknj]

Jersey Journal Feb. 23, 2009

Dear Commissioner Doria:

The City of Jersey City has introduced a budget that proposes to eliminate an approximate $15M expenditure for municipal employee contributions obligated by the city.

Jersey City is one of many municipalities under the DCA’s distressed city program – requiring DCA guidance and approval for financial decisions and strategies.

City officials are quoted in news items regarding the budget introduction as stating they are anticipating that the state legislature will be passing a bill that will provide municipalities with the authority to defer their pension funding obligation for workers.

The city obviously has chosen a strategy that will enable it to send out lower quarterly tax bills in May, based upon the uncertainty of the passage of legislation.  If the legislation isn’t passed, Jersey City taxpayers will be slammed hard in the next quarterly tax statements.

Most recently, Jersey City’s neighbor, Hoboken, was penalized by the State DCA for making decisions on state pension related matters without state approval.  I, therefore, assume the city has received the permission of the DCA to waive its pension obligation and that  taxpayers wont be penalized should the legislation permitting such action does not pass.

I would further note that the city has proposed an ordinance to exceed the state budget cap by 1%.  This, also, I assume, is with DCA permission.

The Governor in his recent State of the State address spoke of further cuts to state aid for municipalities.  How can the DCA allow for the city’s budget to proceed with a questionable $15M expenditure being written off and a 1% cap increase?

Can the DCA assure city taxpayers that Trenton will issue additional state aid to cover the budget shortfalls or increases being proposed by the city?

Thank you for a prompt response to my concerns.

Respectfully,



Louis M. Manzo
Former State Assemblyman

[MCA™]

Healy introduces 2009 budget
by Amy Sara Clark / The Jersey Journal
Monday February 09, 2009, 10:58 PM

Jersey City Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly introduced Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy's 2009 budget at a special City Council meeting tonight. It calls for $460.2 million in appropriations, $15.7 million less than last year's budget.

In the budget, $151.2 million will be raised by local property taxes -- the same amount as in last year's budget.

The budget includes a $14.8 million savings from a deferral in pension payments, assuming the New Jersey state government will pass a proposal now under consideration allowing such deferments. If it doesn't, the city will have to find a way to make up the shortfall, O'Reilly said.

The budget has a shortfall of $800,000, said O'Reilly, which will be made up either in cuts suggested by the City Council, "or in additional revenues if we can find them."

The City Council accepted the budget introduction by a vote of 8-0 with Councilwoman Willie Flood absent.

A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for March 11.

[MCA™]

JJ:


Taxes on the way up for Hudson County
Monday, July 14, 2008
By LYSA CHEN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

The Hudson County Board of Taxation has raised tax rates for Bayonne, Jersey City and Kearny, county officials said.

For homes valued at $100,000, Kearny tax bills will increase $500, Bayonne tax bills will increase $355 and Jersey City tax bills will increase $3, according to board data.

The county will likely set tax rates for the remaining municipalities by the end of the summer as municipalities pass their own budgets, Tax Administrator Donald Kenny said.

Municipal taxes make up a large portion of the tax hike in Kearny - $423 of the $500 increase. County and school taxes will increase $3 and $74 respectively.

Kearny Mayor Alberto Santos said the town, which operates on a fiscal year while the county operates on a calendar year, has sent out all 2008 tax bills, so residents have already felt the brunt of the tax increase. Santos attributed the municipal tax hike to rising health insurance premiums for employees, state pension payments and labor contracts.

He added that Kearny finished the fiscal year, which ended June 30, with a surplus.

"The August and November bills that just went out this week are flat compared to the beginning of this year," Santos said. "I'd much prefer the position we're in now, tightening our belts, as opposed to finishing the year with a deficit."

In Bayonne, county taxes will increase $35 per $100,000 of assessed value, school taxes will increase $215 and municipal taxes will increase $105.

Bayonne Mayor Terrence Malloy said at a special council meeting Wednesday the increase was not a surprise. But Bayonne City Councilman Anthony Chiappone said the increase in county taxes is unacceptable.

He encouraged the council to make a statement by only paying last year's county tab, but recognized possible legal action as retribution. The council's agenda for next Wednesday's meeting will include a resolution "objecting to the amount of money allocated by the county."

Jersey City also saw a $25 increase in county taxes, but school and municipal taxes decreased $14 and $8 respectively.

"The increase in the county's portion of the tax bill does not come as a surprise," city spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said. "However, due to Jersey City's increase in ratables and a decrease in our own municipal tax rate, we were able to absorb most of the county increase."

[Woodsy]

The council also authorized hiring of a firm to appraise a parcel of land at the old PJP landfill site. The city wants to relocate the Jersey City Incinerator Authority and the Department of Public Works to that site.

You don't happen to know who voted for this measure do you?

[MCA™]

City Council takes $8M in state aid
Friday, May 16, 2008
By EARL MORGAN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

By an 8-1 vote, the Jersey City City Council approved a resolution to accept $8 million in "Special Municipal Aid," from the state on Wednesday.

Approval of the resolution to accept the $8 million in state aid means the city agrees to impose a hiring, promotion and salary freeze, although Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly has said the state has agreed to grant permission to hire public safety workers.

Ward E Councilman Steve Fulop voted against the resolution, arguing the measure flies in the face of the administration's boasts that job creation and real estate development is lifting the city's fortunes.

The council also approved a resolution appointing Carlo Abad to a full-time position as a Jersey City Municipal Court judge.

The council also authorized hiring of a firm to appraise a parcel of land at the old PJP landfill site. The city wants to relocate the Jersey City Incinerator Authority and the Department of Public Works to that site.

[MCA™]

JC Reporter with more details:


City finally passes $463.9M budget
Hiring freeze, department mergers may result

Ricardo Kaulessar
Reporter staff writer | 04/27/2008

Nine months late! That's how far into the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year that Jersey City's $463.9 million municipal budget was approved. The budget covers spending from last July 1 to June 30 of the following year.

Local towns often have to wait several months to pass their budgets because they need to find out the amount of aid they are getting from the state.

On April 18, the City Council adopted the budget at a special meeting just one day after the city was informed that it would receive $8 million in supplemental state aid. The $8 million was necessary for the city to bridge the remaining gap in their budget and avoid raising taxes on a municipal level.

As a result, the municipal tax rate will stay at $25.47 per $1,000 of assessed property, which means a property owner will pay $2,547 in municipal taxes this year for a building they own assessed at $100,000.

The current overall tax rate for residents in Jersey City is $55.49 per $1,000, which also includes the county tax rate and the school tax. Those other taxes come from the county and school budgets.

City Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly said last week that the school tax levy portion of the overall tax rate will be increased by 31 cents as the result of city funding for schools increasing from $82 million to $86.1 million. Also, the county tax levy portion is expected to increase by 25 cents.

While the Jersey City school system has passed its budget for next year, the county government is expected to pass its next budget by June.

The increases would have an impact on the quarterly tax bills going out on July 1, with the overall tax rate estimated to jump from $55.49 to $56.05.

Earlier budget next year
O'Reilly said the other reason for this year's budget being so late was that the city had to wait for a $15 million payment from Honeywell International after the company settled a lawsuit with the city to bring about the cleanup of chromium on the city's west side.

O'Reilly said that he expects the 2008-2009 municipal budget to be introduced by September, and it will be adopted "much earlier than this year." "Adoption of the budget has been historically late," O'Reilly said. "In the three prior years, I have introduced the budget in September, October, and November. Usually, we introduce the budget and fill it as we go along." O'Reilly said receiving the $8 million in state aid will have some impact on how the next fiscal year's budget will be devised.

In order to qualify for and receive the $8 million for the current fiscal year, Jersey City had to sign a memorandum of understanding with the state's Department of Community Affairs (through its Division of Local Government Services) agreeing to various conditions, requirements, and restrictions.

State now monitoring hiring
These include such things as a hiring and promotion freeze, with certain exceptions. The hiring of new employees must have approval from the state. There will also be a freeze on promotions and transfers involving salary increases, unless required by contractual obligations or unless the promotion/transfer results in no increased cost to the city.

And the city must submit to the state detailed monthly revenue and expenditure budget reports, and copies of budget transfer resolutions. O'Reilly said that the city will consider hires only for revenue-producing city positions, and public safety jobs such as police and fire.

Urge to merge
Also, the city will consider merging several city departments including the Department of Finance with the Department of Business Administration, and the Division of Engineering with the Division of Traffic and Transportation Maintenance. O'Reilly said these mergers, which have been discussed with the state, will save the city money as jobs will be scaled down and employees are trained to take on additional responsibilities.

O'Reilly said the mergers are being considered because the city may not be so lucky in the next fiscal year to get another $8 million in state aid. The merger plan is scheduled to be introduced to the City Council for possible approval in either May or June.

©The Hudson Reporter 2008

[MCA™]

JJ:


Jersey City tax bite is kept to status quo
Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Jersey City property taxpayers have been spared a municipal tax bump - at least until the next fiscal year begins July 1.

The City Council adopted a no-tax increase spending plan last Friday - the day after state honchos gave thumbs up to an $8 million supplemental aid grant to the city.

Without the grant - which formerly was called distressed cities aid - and $15 million in a deal with Honeywell International, city officials had said they would have to raise taxes.

The $463.9 million budget represents a $20.8 million hike over last year's $443.1 million spending plan.

"It's been a long budget cycle this year," said Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly. "The city was able to take some initiative in reducing costs such as health benefits. We will continue to look at measures to increase revenues and decrease costs of the municipal operations."

The municipal tax rate remains at $25.47, meaning a property owner with a building assessed at $100,000 will pay $2,547 in municipal taxes this year.

Jersey City also received a boost with an increase of roughly $200 million in non-tax-abated ratables, city officials said. Using the city's tax rate, that would add a little more than $5 million to the city's coffers.

The county is expected to announce its budget in the next couple of weeks. The school tax levy has moved up from roughly $82 million to $86.1 million, representing a $38 annual increase to the average taxpayer, according to city officials.

The money from Honeywell is part of a settlement to develop chromium-tainted land on the city's west side. The city also saved about $4 million this year by opting out of the state-run health insurance plan.

[MCA™]

Hearing tonight, then vote on city's 'no tax hike' budget
Thursday, April 10, 2008

A public hearing on Jersey City's proposed $463.9 million municipal operating budget is scheduled for tonight at 6 at School 4, 107 Bright St.

This budget covers the fiscal year that ends June 30 and represents a $20.8 million spending boost over the last fiscal year's budget.

But due to an increase in non-tax-abated ratables in the city, property owners should be spared a tax hike - at least on the municipal portion of their tax bills, city officials have said.

The budget calls for raising $151.2 million from local taxpayers - roughly $11 million more than the last certified budget.

Given the $200 million increase in non-tax-abated ratables, the municipal tax rate should remain $25.47 for each $1,000 worth of assessed value; meaning a property owner with a building assessed at $100,000 would pay $2,547 a year in municipal taxes, officials said.

The school tax levy has risen roughly $4 million, to $86.1 million, for the fiscal year that begins July 1, which will cost the average taxpayer roughly $38 more per year, officials said.

County officials haven't yet announced their budget figures.

The proposed budget is reliant on an $8 million supplemental aid grant from the state and $15 million from Honeywell International as part of a settlement that calls for developing chromium-tainted land on the city's west side.

City Council members are expected to adopt the proposed budget after public comment.

KEN THORBOURNE

[Woodsy]

Got the bill in the mail yesterday.  My taxes went up 5.1% (comparing 1st quarter this year to 1st quarter last year); hardly what I would call "stable" and far more than the rate of inflation or the percent increase in my salary from 2007 to 2008.  Moreover, this is on top of a 7.2% increase in taxes between 2006 and 2007!  Yeah yeah, the Drunken Naked Mayor blames it all on increases in school taxes.  I don't care what caused it, that money is still coming out of my pocket.  Even if he's right, he's still at fault for handing out PILOTs like they're candy (as PILOTs do not contribute to county or school taxes). 

DRUNKEN NAKED MAYOR YOU'RE ON NOTICE!

As a side note, the school expenditure figure in that article scared the shit out of me.  I don't know how people are going to make ends meet if Jersey City is ever forced to pay that entire amount.

[Woodsy]

From The Jersey Journal:

TAX BILLS: MORE
City: We're holding the line
Friday, January 11, 2008

You'd better be seated when you open the first-quarter tax bill just sent out by Jersey City.

According to Tax Collector Maureen Cosgrove, property owners with houses assessed at $100,000 can expect to receive a bill roughly $100 higher than last quarter's bill.
 
Mayor Jerramiah Healy sent out a letter with the tax bills stating the hike is due to "higher county and Board of Education taxes," but that his administration has "kept municipal taxes stable."

But according to city officials who explained the tax bill more fully yesterday, the total tax revenue to be raised by the city has risen $4 million since July and $9 million since tax bills were sent out this time last year.

City officials said yesterday that hope is on the way as far as the municipal portion of the bill is concerned. Due to an increase of $200 million in ratables in the city, local taxpayers should see the municipal portion of their bills shrink for the next two quarters.

When the new budget is introduced - it is expected in the next few weeks - the tax rate for the municipal portion is going to be $2,533 for every $100,000 of assessed value, or $130 less than it is now, said Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly.

"The city for the second year in a row is keeping taxes stable," O'Reilly said. "(But) school taxes are up $10 million in two years, county taxes are up from $65 million to $80 million."

As state school aid has decreased over the past two years, the local school tax levy has risen. But Jersey City taxpayers are still paying only $81.2 million of the $600 million public school budget due to its status as a "special needs" district.

As far as the county bill goes, Hudson County spokesman Jim Kennelly called Jersey City "a victim of its own success."

"Its property values have gone through the roof. Under state law, the formula that controls county taxation puts the burden on the communities that are growing."

KEN THORBOURNE

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