Mayor Emily B. Jabbour and the City of Hoboken today announced a targeted hiring freeze as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the municipal budget deficit and limit the impact on taxpayers. The hiring freeze is expected to lower the budget by approximately $600,000, bringing the deficit down to nearly $13 million.
“While these are difficult decisions, they will help ensure Hoboken is on a fiscally responsible path forward,” said Mayor Jabbour. “This hiring freeze reflects our commitment to reducing the burden on taxpayers while limiting the impact on core services. We will continue working collaboratively to deliver a balanced budget that protects residents and preserves the City’s long-term financial stability.”
Positions affected by the hiring freeze include the Police Inspector position as well as some police officer roles, two laborers within the Department of Infrastructure, administrative positions in the Municipal Court office, and the Director of Community Services.
Since early March, the administration has partnered with the City Council and the public to reduce the budget deficit from $17 million to approximately $13.2 million, and the projected tax increase from 24 percent to less than 19 percent. This process has included subcommittee meetings, public workshops, and an online survey designed to gather community feedback and input.
The administration will formally introduce the proposed municipal budget at the City Council meeting on April 22 at 7 p.m. at Hoboken City Hall at 94 Washington St. Following introduction, the Hoboken City Council may review and amend the proposed budget. At that stage, the administration can no longer make changes to the document. After Council review and any amendments, the budget will be presented for adoption on second reading, at which point it becomes the City’s official spending plan.
The Council meeting can also be streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel.
