Council Passes Temporary Budget For First Quarter 2012

The Hoboken City Council passed a temporary budget on Wednesday night to get the city through the first three months of the year, but not after a lenghty—and at times heated—discussion about the city's finances.

Finance Director Nick Trasente had prepared a budget, made up of 26.25 percent of last year's total $100 million budget, as is mandated by state statute.

Third Ward Councilman Michael Russo, who ended up voting in favor of the measure warned the administration that he wouldn't vote on any more emergency appropriations in the near future, expecting that this temporary budget would fully fund the city's expenses.

"I’m not giving you another million dollars if something else comes up," Russo said. "This is a fair warning."

The budget passed in a 6-1 vote, with Councilwoman Beth Mason voting "no." Council members Ravi Bhalla and Theresa Castellano were absent.

Trasente said that this budget doesn't include all the money needed to pay the firemen as well as unexpected costs, such as an unforeseen snowstorm. Overtime in the police department for the St. Patrick's Day parade is also not included in this budget.

The temporary budget does fund the city's meals on wheels program, the Hoboken University Ambulance Corps and the city's regular expenses, such as salary and wages.

"I cannot predict the future," Corporation Counsel Mark Tabakin said, warning the council that more budget votes could occur in the case of an emergency.

A complete budget for the 2012 year is being completed by the Finance Director and the Business Administrator and will be introduced next month, Councilman Peter Cunningham said.

It's still unclear when a complete budget will be adopted. The city may have to wait until the state releases its state aide numbers. Trasente said it is "rumored" that aide may go up in 2012. If the budget is approved before that number is released, Hoboken would miss out.