Jersey City mayor proposes 20% tax hike to help cover $255M budget shortfall
JERSEY CITY, New Jersey (WABC) -- Residents in Jersey City may have to brace themselves for a possible 20% tax hike.
Mayor James Solomon proposed the increase and spending cuts to cover a $255 million deficit, a shortfall he blames on the previous administration.
It's a budget battle that has set off a war of words between former Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and the current one.
"The bottom line, the last mayor paid for bills on the city's credit card and we are stuck with the bill," Solomon said in a video.
Mayor Solomon squarely laid the blame for the city's fiscal woes on the previous administration.
The current administration is seeking to close a $255 million deficit, and it's floating a tax hike of 20%.
"As far as taxes are concerned, I mean taxes are always going up, but the increase is ridiculous," said Jersey City resident Julietta Glaster.
The 20% tax hike on the median property of $650,000, means an increase of $1,066.
"I think it's crazy talk. I think it's going to push a lot of people out of the city," said Jersey City resident Maria Alonso.
The former mayor is calling out the current mayor. Fulop is not backing down in the blame game for Jersey City's financial issues, saying, "We obviously disagree. Had I chosen to run for re-election, we would have introduced another budget with no tax increase for Jersey City residents as we did nearly every year. It's also worth noting that James served on the City Council for eight years with full budget responsibilities."
Residents are now pawns in this political back and forth.
"Solomon... great dude, but in regards to his campaign, there wasn't supposed to be any tax increases," said Jersey City resident Myron Covington.
Mayor Solomon is calling for a series of public forums where he plans to hear from residents.
They will take place on the following days:
The city will provide the locations soon.
"I'm not sure how likely it is to happen. I think that's really the question I have, is how likely, because there are proposals all the time," said Jersey City resident Anthony Raviele.
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