The 2002 Hoboken Municipal Budget
As mayor of the city of Hoboken, I am proud to submit the budget for the Fiscal Year 2002.
This first budget of my administration delivers a reduction in spending from the previous year and taxes that are slightly reduced.
More importantly, this budget represents a fundamental shift in the fiscal and budgetary philosophy of this city. From now on, city taxpayers will benefit from revenues produced by new ratables first, before any new government spending.
Fiscal responsibility in meeting city obligations
With the 2002 budget, we have achieved a delicate balance of stable taxes and high quality public services for Hoboken residents. We were able to strike this balance through prudent fiscal planning and cost savings, smarter utilization of state aid, and greater efficiencies in government operations.
This balance was not easily achieved. In the process, we have reduced the city’s reliance on "one-shot" revenues by $1 million. We have implemented polices to reduce overtime by $200,000. And we have reduced legal and accounting expenses by a combined $800,000. Alternatively, the city of Hoboken will receive a half-million dollars in additional state aid this year.
I am pleased to report that while the first budget of this administration stabilizes taxes, it also provides the necessary resources to fund the primary obligations of city government. I believe the top priorities of city government are to protect the safety of its citizens and their property, preserve the health and well being of its employees, and ensure a clean and healthy environment. This budget meets these priorities by providing adequate funding at fiscally responsible levels.
We have come to know all too well the importance of our police officers and firefighters during this trying time in our nation’s history. I am pleased to report that the 2002 budget will provide for a strong police department and a strong fire department to ensure the safety of Hoboken’s residents, while instituting policies to curtail excessive overtime.
The health and well-being of city employees is also an important matter for city government. Despite a $1.4 million-dollar miscalculation last year in projected healthcare costs, we have been able to preserve quality health coverage for city employees through prudent fiscal management.
A clean and safe environment for the people of Hoboken is also a critical mission of city government, but it is also an important personal priority of mine. This is why we have devoted adequate resources to sanitation and solid waste disposal to ensure clean streets and parks for all Hoboken residents to enjoy.
In our commitment to fiscal responsibility, we must recognize that this does not only mean spending cuts. Fiscal responsibility also means devoting greater financial resources where there is currently not enough. We have identified one such area. Every day, many Hoboken children walk to our local schools. Watching over them are some of Hoboken’s most dedicated public servants. I am happy to report that because of the savings we have been able to achieve, this budget will provide for the first wage increase for Hoboken crossing guards in 12 years.
Policy goals of the budget
The 2002 budget is also a blueprint for advancing the priorities that are important to the people of Hoboken and the policy goals of my administration.
First and foremost, we are committing significant resources to managing development in Hoboken. Through the establishment of the Office of Community Development, the city of Hoboken now has the human and financial resources necessary to research and develop a new master plan for the city.
We have also committed resources to preserving more open space in all areas of the city, including the new Jackson Street Garage Park on Hoboken’s west side.
We have dedicated resources to reopening the Housing Inspectors Office, which I believe serves a vital role in our city. Now, when tenants or property owners complain of safety or health issues, the city will respond with swift corrective action.
Another policy goal of my administration that will be accomplished through the 2002 budget is opening the Office of Constituent Services. For the first time in Hoboken’s history, we will have a central office on the ground floor of City Hall whose sole purpose is to collect, document, and follow up on resident concerns and complaints. The theme of this office will be "Accountability." Not only accountability to the mayor, but more importantly, accountability to the people of Hoboken.
I am very proud to submit this budget to the City Council for its consideration. Through prudent fiscal planning, smarter utilization of state aid, and greater efficiency in government operations, we will meet the city’s primary obligations and achieve our policy goals in a fiscally responsible way.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your mayor. God bless America, and God bless Hoboken.