Council’s action would result in an 80 cent property tax increase

TRENTON, N.J. – The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) informed Mayor Reed Gusciora that Trenton will not receive any of its $16 million in transitional aid if the City Council does not pass the approved budget. On Tuesday, the City Council passed resolutions allowing for additional emergency appropriations of the temporary budget, which ended the government shutdown and ensured employees would be paid on Thursday, but it did not provide Trenton with a municipal budget.

The move would result in an 80 cent property tax increase to the proposed 11 cent increase. A 91 cent increase would be unsustainable for most Trenton residents.

The vote took place in the Council conference room, not the Council chambers, limiting the number of members of the public who could fit in the room. The Council also adjourned the meeting before the public comment portion.

After the vote, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora met with Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, the DCA Commissioner, where he was informed that the Capital City would not receive transitional aid. All Council members were invited to attend the meeting, but Council leadership declined. Only Council members Jerell Blakeley and Joe Harrison accepted.

“Council’s action today risk losing Transitional Aid,” said Gusciora. “The only thing that will result in is increased property taxes for Trenton residents. It was irresponsible for Council not to pass a budget, not meet in public, nor meet with the Lieutenant Governor as requested.”

“The actions of my colleagues place the city of Trenton at great risk of a state takeover,” said Councilman Blakeley. “I implore my colleagues to do the responsible thing and pass the budget immediately. The city cannot pay for this inaction.”

“My council colleagues need to come together to work for the people of Trenton,” said Councilman Harrison. “We need to pass this budget so we can continue to move the agenda of the city forward.”

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