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Paterson council presses administration for line‑item detail as vendor contracts and borrowing loom
Summary
Council members questioned a recurring resolution authorizing state‑approved vendors and raised demands for department‑level spending reports ahead of a planned $65 million loan and final budget adoption next week, saying the packet lacked totals and clarity on large line items such as fuel and phone services.
At a Nov. 6 workshop, Paterson council members challenged administration staff over a recurring resolution that would authorize multiple state‑approved vendors for city departments and divisions. Councilman Michael Jackson pressed for department‑level breakdowns, saying the packet for item 6 did not include a clear total and raised concerns about ‘‘$1,000,000 in gas’’ and large phone and equipment lines. He told the council: "We failed to do budget hearings where we've actually sat down with every single division head" and urged more granular reports before final votes.
Procurement staff responded that the resolution sets “not to exceed” amounts based on last year’s consumption and that departments provide invoices when purchases are made. A procurement official said the item exists so departments have vendors available to purchase essential goods and services when needed, and that the administration can supply a historical breakdown on request.
The exchange came as council members flagged larger fiscal questions about recent coverage of an unexplained over‑expenditure figure in city reporting. Jackson repeatedly referenced prior coverage and the council’s need to understand how millions have been spent; the council president said she requested and received clarifying information from the Chief Financial Officer and that the figure in press coverage reflected differences in categorization and timing rather than a single unaccounted‑for disbursement.
The council also discussed that a request to borrow about $65 million may be considered soon to cover shortfalls. Jackson said the prospect of new debt made it incumbent on the council to have full visibility: "We're going to be expecting this council's gonna be expecting on approving a loan for 65 plus million dollars, and we're not being responsible and accountable for each individual line item."
Finance staff told members they would provide a supplemental packet showing last‑year actuals, the basis for the "not to exceed" estimates on the vendor list and further supporting documents before the final budget vote scheduled for next week.
What's next: Item 6 will appear on the regular agenda for final consideration; council members requested a detailed historical report on expenditures tied to each vendor and line item before any vote on borrowing or budget adoption.
