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Hoboken council approves CL2 amendment after protracted debate; raises property taxes by about 11–12%
Summary
After lengthy debate, the council approved CL2, an amendment to the city's 2026 budget that sponsors say reduces the initial proposal and will raise property taxes roughly 11–12% to stabilize city finances; dissenting members warned the plan relies on optimistic revenue assumptions and surplus use.
The City Council voted to approve CL2, an amendment to the 2026 municipal budget, after extended debate among council members over revenue assumptions, surplus use and whether to pursue structural spending cuts.
Councilwoman Fischer presented CL2 as a negotiated compromise that cuts salary, group-health and overtime lines and reduces some administrative hires, resulting in a proposed 11–12% property tax increase and the promise of targeted multi‑month follow-up to identify additional savings. She said the state had approved the amendment and that a public hearing on the amended budget would occur on June 11.
Opponents argued the amendment still relied heavily on surplus and optimistic revenue forecasts. Council members who opposed the measure said the council should favor deeper structural cuts, including rethinking positions, overtime practices and health‑benefit assumptions. One council member said, "A big discount from an astronomical tax rate is not a win," arguing the council had failed to make tougher decisions and warning the city could face the same debate next year.
Supporters called the CL2 amendment a necessary compromise to avoid a state takeover and to stabilize services. Several council members emphasized a multi‑year process and pledged to create a special subcommittee to pursue structural reforms, enhanced reporting and revenue ideas over the coming months.
Roll-call vote (as read aloud by the clerk): Firestone — yes; Fischer — yes; Imus — yes; Le — yes; President Zano — no; Cano — yes; Russo — no; President Ramos — yes; Con — no. With a 6–3 majority in favor, the council approved CL2.
The sponsors said they will monitor the assumptions closely and seek additional revenue and savings during the year. The council set a public hearing for June 11 on the amended budget, where the public will have a chance to speak before final adoption procedures.
