State Certifies Budget after Council Vote Fails

Mayor Gusciora grateful for State assistance; cancels emergency meeting

TRENTON, N.J. – Mayor Reed Gusciora thanked officials from the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for stepping in to certify Trenton’s 2022 municipal budget last night following Council’s unsuccessful vote.

Three members—Council President Kathy McBride, Councilwoman Robin Vaughn, and Councilwoman Sonya Wilkins—voted against the amended budget last night, prompting DCA Director Jacquelyn A. Suárez to send a letter to the Mercer County Board of Taxation following the meeting to certify the budget. (Link to the letter)

“I’m grateful for the State’s assistance in helping to resolve this budget impasse with our City Council,” Mayor Gusciora said. “While I understand the politics of Council leadership not providing support for the budget, they should not do that to the detriment of City residents who rely on our services. Fortunately, voters sent a very clear message that they want a Council that works for the people in the next four years, and not against them.”

The State’s action prevents the City from experiencing multimillion-dollar consequences in the absence of a budget. Prior to State action and following the failed vote, Gusciora issued an executive order instituting the amended City budget, while at the same time delivering notice to Council members of an emergency meeting on Friday which has since been cancelled.

In April, Council passed a resolution receiving Gusciora’s proposed budget with no municipal tax increase, but they missed a state-mandated deadline for passage. As of October 1, all six City Council members have been accruing fines of $25 per day for not meeting their obligation to pass a municipal budget in a timely manner, per State law.

# # #