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Paterson council approves $26.2 million in bills after debate over timing of vendor payments
Summary
The Paterson Municipal Council voted 7-0 (2 absent) to approve payment of $26,194,283.05 in bills on Oct. 14, 2025, following debate about whether checks are actually disbursed when the council votes and concerns about on-site monitoring for a River Street reconstruction contract.
The Paterson Municipal Council voted to approve payment of $26,194,283.05 in bills during its Oct. 14, 2025 workshop, a roll-call vote that ended 7 in favor, 2 absent.
Council members debated whether a vote to “pay bills” means vendors are immediately paid, and questioned staff about oversight for major projects and the timing of cash withdrawals.
The bill list included two payrolls and a summary of disbursements totaling $11,033,436.74, with computer checks totaling $15,160,846.31. The list also showed a board of education payment of $6,000,708.92 and large recurring items including street-lighting, solid waste, and insurance. “We have before us a bills list of $26,194,282.05,” said a member reading the packet. Councilman Mendez pressed…
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