HOBOKEN – Now that the City Council has passed a six month, transition year, $52 million budget unanimously, they can begin to search for ways to provide more tax relief in the upcoming 2011 budget.
Last night, the council voted 9-0 to approve the budget, which will be in effect until Dec. 31.
Even though the budget was passed unanimously, the council members couldn’t help but speak about what they hope will happen in the next budget year.
“We’ve set up a budget that is more prudent,” said Councilman Dave Mello. “We brought some tax relief to citizens and I know we can bring more [next year] with the way it’s set up.”
The sentiment among the council was that it was not a bad budget to move forward.
“It’s a good budget,” said Councilman Peter Cunningham. “Judging by where we have come from since 2007, 2008, I know that we’re moving in the right direction.”
Councilwoman Beth Mason said the five percent decrease in municipal taxes is “a good start,” but maintained that a significant amount of the surplus should be given back to taxpayers.
Read more about the council meeting in this weekend’s Hoboken Reporter.– Ray Smith