Jersey City postpones vote on proposed tax increase amid resident concerns
Solomon warned that reducing and spreading out the increase over time would result in cuts to city services.
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Jersey City Mayor James Solomon has postponed a City Council vote on a proposed increase to the city's portion of an estimated tax hike, citing concerns raised by residents about the size and pace of the increase.
The resolution was removed from consideration at Wednesday's City Council meeting. Council President Denise Ridley, in consultation with Solomon, has scheduled a special meeting for July 1 to consider the proposal. A community meeting is also planned for June 28 to gather additional public feedback on the 2026 budget.
"Our city is in a fiscal crisis, and the plan we proposed accomplished our goal of solving the crisis in one year while protecting core city services," Solomon said in a statement. He said residents told him the increase was "too large and too fast" for household finances and that he has directed city staff to identify additional service cuts and alternative plans to reduce the immediate impact.
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Solomon warned that reducing and spreading out the increase over time would result in cuts to city services.
"We will feel these cuts. The size and scope of the City’s fiscal emergency means we are facing very real tradeoffs and choices with every decision we make,” Solomon said.
Ridley said delaying the vote would provide more time to review spending and hear directly from residents affected by the proposal.
As part of cost-cutting efforts, the administration said it is withdrawing proposed contracts for park maintenance and composting services totaling about $1 million. Officials also plan to work with the City Council to identify additional reductions beyond the $55 million in savings already identified in an effort to balance the city's 2026 and 2027 budgets.
The public town hall is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 28 at the City Hall Annex.
