Hoboken council approves three-year contract for Police Chief Stephen Aguiar after hours of debate

The Hoboken City Council approved a three-year employment contract for Police Chief Stephen Aguiar after more than an hour of public and council debate over compensation and budget priorities.

Supporters said Aguiar has responded to community concerns and shown steady leadership; critics said the timing and cost should be weighed against rank-and-file contracts and looming budget pressures.

Council members who spoke in favor cited responsiveness and public-safety needs. Councilwoman Jabbour said the chief “stood there and demonstrated what it is to be a strong leader” after a recent public-safety incident, and Councilman Quintero called Aguiar “the definition of a leader in this community.” Councilman Cohen highlighted morale and said Aguiar “should not be the lowest paid chief in Hudson County.”

Opponents framed the vote as a budgetary and process concern. Councilman Russo urged caution about long-term budget effects, saying the city faces a “$30,000,000” waterfront emergency that will add to structural costs and arguing council decisions across the year affect affordability. He said the council should look more closely at cumulative year‑round decisions that affect future budgets.

Council members also discussed whether management and supervisory contracts should be considered after rank‑and‑file agreements are settled. Councilman Ramos and others urged robust questioning and oversight but ultimately supported the contract.

The council approved the contract by roll call. The vote recorded one no: Presidentano voted no; the remaining voting members voted aye. The contract runs three years and includes scheduled raises recited in the attached agreement provided to council members.

Council members said they will press the chief and administration for continued work on neighborhood safety, including staffing requests and parks patrols, and expect follow-up reports and funding requests in upcoming budget discussions.

The vote followed public comment and a lengthy council debate that repeatedly referenced recent incidents, public perception of safety, and the need to balance leadership pay with overall workforce compensation.

Votes at a glance: A3 — Resolution authorizing contract with Police Chief Stephen Aguiar — approved (roll call: Yes — Cone, Fisher, Jabbour, Quintero, Ramos, Russo, Doyle; No — Presidentano).