The Kearny Town Council voted down a roughly $99 million budget with a four-and-a-half percent tax hike at last night’s meeting as elections for four ward seats loom on Tuesday.
“The Town has been working closely with our CFO to put together a budget that is fair for Kearny: one that best minimizes the financial burden on taxpayers while still fully funding essential operations,” Mayor Carol Jean Doyle told HCV today.
“During the introduction of the budget, our CFO acknowledged rising healthcare premiums, an increase to Passaic Valley [Water Sewerage Commission] rates, and pension payments have contributed to a higher budget. These are issues government at all levels are facing, including many municipalities in Hudson County.”
After a lively discussion, 1st Ward Councilman George Zapata, 2nd Ward Councilman Dennis Solano, 3rd Ward Councilwoman Eileen Eckel, and 4th Ward Councilman Stathis Theodoropoulos voted not on the budget resolution, citing a $14 million budget deficit…