Jersey City postpones vote on proposed tax increase amid resident concerns
Jersey City is dealing with a $255 million budget deficit. According to the mayor's office, there are plans already in place to deal with $55 million, and increasing property taxes would help tackle the deficit.
Property taxes may be going up by 20% in Jersey City, but Mayor James Solomon wants to hear from residents first.
Prices are going up at the gas pump, at the grocery store and now on property taxes. Residents in Jersey City aren't excited to see their monthly costs increasing once again.
"Twenty percent is going to be on top of whatever we also have to pay for the board of education and other things," Mark Manglicmot, of Jersey City, said. "The taxes are already a lot."
"We had an idea it was coming when he posted right after the election about the large budget deficit, so we figured this was coming," said Jersey City resident Zein Nakhoda.
Jersey City is dealing with a $255 million budget deficit. According to the mayor's office, there are plans already in place to deal with $55 million, and increasing property taxes would help tackle the deficit.
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The vote on the tax increase was postponed Wednesday night and moved to July 1, 2026.
In addition to postponing the vote, the administration is working to find other ways to cut back, including pulling approximately $1 million in proposed park maintenance and compositing services contracts.
"I want to stress how this was the last possible resort," Solomon said in a Facebook video. "After our audit revealed the scope of our financial crisis, the worst New Jersey has faced since the casino industry collapsed in Atlantic City. My team went line by line in the budget."
"I am thankful for the transparency that is coming," Jersey City resident Jen said. "I think I am extremely disappointed in the tax policy he is trying to put into place because that's not what we voted for. We voted for someone who was for the people, and this seems very like it's very much against the people."
The proposed tax increase is at the top of mind for Jen. She is in the process of trying to purchase her condo and said taxes going up could keep her from owning her home and potentially move out of the city.
Community members have the chance to share their opinions on the proposal this Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the City Hall Annex.
