Community Leader Criticizes Council for Tax Policies and Financial Decisions

The Newark Municipal Council held a special meeting on August 28, 2025, where significant concerns regarding fiscal responsibility and property taxation were raised by community members. The meeting focused on the financial management of the city, particularly in relation to tax abatements and outstanding property taxes owed by various entities.

One resident expressed frustration over the 25-year tax abatement granted to the Halo Building, while highlighting the substantial property tax debts owed by local businesses, including $1.2 million from Smitty's and $862,000 from another building on White Cliff. The speaker criticized the council for increasing property taxes by 7% last year and an additional 7.8% this year, resulting in a cumulative increase of 15% due to revaluation.

The resident called for accountability, suggesting that the council should focus on collecting taxes from those who owe rather than burdening homeowners and small businesses. They specifically criticized the Business Administrator (BA) for fiscal irresponsibility, noting that the budget was not finalized until October of the previous year.

Concerns were also raised about a loan of $2.222 billion taken out by the city, which was rescinded and replaced with an additional $30 million. The speaker questioned the long-term implications of this debt on future generations, expressing discontent with the council's financial decisions.

Furthermore, the approval of an ordinance for the Riviera, which included five deferments, was criticized as financially imprudent, with the speaker questioning the source of funding for the $40 million needed over the next decade for renovations while essential services, such as support for the homeless, were lacking.

The meeting underscored the community's demand for greater fiscal accountability and transparency from the council, as residents voiced their concerns about the financial direction of Newark and its impact on the local population.