City Likely Unable to Pay Lawyers After Emergency Funds Aren't Passed

In what , the city council didn't approve more than $600,000 in emergency appropriations to pay for mostly salaries for firemen and legal costs. 

A super majority was needed on Wednesday night to pass the appropriations and the resolution failed in a 5-4 vote, with the council minority—made up of critics of the administration—voting no. 

In January, Finance Director Nick Trasente presented temporary appropriations—made up of a state mandated 26.5 percent of last year's roughly $100 million budget—to pay for the first few months of the year. 

Third Ward Councilman Michael Russo said he wouldn't approve any more appropriations. 

"I can’t go over 26.5 percent," Trasente told the councilman, "don’t sit there and tell me it’s a difference of opinion."

Tresante said that, by state law, he was not allowed to budget for more than 26.5 percent of last year's budget. Since then, he said, the fire unions have come to a collective bargaining agreement and salary costs in that department are about 15 percent higher than last year.

The extra cost were also supposed to pay for cost associated with the city's legal cost. A list of 27 law suits was presented to the city council, and there will likely not be enough money left in the line item to pay for the corporation counsel's services. 

"It's out of control!" Second Ward Councilwoman Beth Mason said. To which corporation counsel Mark Tabakin answered, "well, then stop getting sued."

Multiple legal services contracts that were supposed to be approved—for matters such as litigation as well as rent control related law suits—on Wednesday night, but couldn't be after the appropriations failed. 

After the appropriations failed, Mayor Dawn Zimmer posted on Twitter: "I am surprised Councilwoman Mason voted not to fund litigation opposing Monarch project. I Hope she will change her mind."

There is currently $199,000 left for legal services in the city of Hoboken, and until March 31, approximately $328,000 will be needed to pay for all the work, Tabakin said. 

Trasente said that the fire department will be paid for another month. If the appropriations aren't passed by the March 21 meeting, the city won't be able to pay its employees, Trasente said.