Jersey City Prioritizes Fiscal Responsibility in 2024-2025 Budget Proposal

1.9% Increase is Well Below the Rate of Inflation Despite A Very Difficult Environment

JERSEY CITY, NJ – Mayor Steven M. Fulop will introduce the FY 2025 budget at the next council meeting, reflecting a 2% change.  This will be the 8th time of the 10 budgets that Mayor Fulop has introduced that will have a 2% or less change, which is consistent with the administration’s focus on fiscal responsibility.  Also of note, the municipal portion of residents’ taxes decreased from 48% to just 37% of the overall property tax bill, with the remainder coming from the Board of Education and county government.  The municipal component is the only tax the Mayor and City Council control.

“While fixed costs are nearly double the rate of inflation – such as 6% increases for health insurance and pension contributions – this budget is responsible and still expands critical city services that residents rely on,” Mayor Fulop said.

Whether successfully bolstering public safety measures, facilitating affordable housing initiatives, or enhancing local parks and transportation infrastructure, the Fulop Administration is actively fostering a stronger, more prosperous city that embraces the community’s uniquely diverse set of needs.

Key aspects in the 2024-2025 budget proposal include:

• Increased 911 dispatch operations with the recruitment of 30 additional call takers.
• Enhanced public safety and police/community relations, including local diversity recruitment efforts, community engagement events, and a new De-escalation Training Center opening next week.
• City-run Animal Care and Control services.
• Continuous funds raised by the Open Space and Arts & Culture Trust Funds, implemented by Mayor Fulop to generate stable investments in areas critical to the community’s health and overall growth.

Despite last year’s volatile economy, Jersey City added $1.4 billion in new ratables to tax rolls, further reflecting the city’s economic vitality.