Hoboken Faces 20 Percent Tax Increase Unless City Makes 'Tough Choices': Mayor

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour told taxpayers recently that the city will either have to make "tough choices" in its next budget, or taxes could rise more than 20 percent.

"My team and I are working day and night to identify responsible cuts," Jabbour said in a video message posted to social media, "and we’ve already found hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings, including reductions in vendor and consulting costs."

The mayor cited $20,000 in savings for canceling annual print newsletters that provided people with a calendar of summer programs. But what else should be cut?

The mayor said the 20 percent increase would only be if no cuts are found.

The city sent out a survey last week to gather input for more places to save — which raised questions among some who filled it out. (See the survey at the end of this piece.)

Budget Size

Hoboken approved its $150.2 million budget for 2025-2026 last August, with a 4.5 percent tax increase.

The next budget will cover the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Hoboken property owners pay quarterly taxes that are split among the county, city, and schools, with each entity approving their budget in spring or summer. The municipal budget is for city spending.

Jabbour said that the city has had to use its surplus to cover rising mandatory costs, such as health insurance for city workers and police and firefighters.

"Closing this gap will require hard decisions," she said.

The city will hold meetings and workshops before the budget is introduced, along with considering feedback from the survey.

Some of the topics in the survey have raised questions.

Should Tenants Pay For City Legal Fees?

Hoboken resident Nancy Colasurdo said she wasn't sure the average resident has enough information to answer some of the more complex budget questions in the survey.

She noted in her Substack newsletter, Sunshine and Sarcasm, that one question "gave me the shivers."

It asked whether the city should “Require tenants and landlords appearing in front of the Rent Control board to establish escrow to defray the city’s legal fees.”

Hundreds of tenants have raised concerns in the past few years about corporate landlords raising rents more than 5-10 percent each year, and some have taken the matter to court, saying they can't afford the increases. READ MORE: 'People Are Really Scared,' Property Owner Sues Hoboken In Federal Court

Over the years, the city has had to clarify and udpate its Rent Control Ordinance from 1973.

"I’ve heard a mix of feedback, some positive, some skeptical about how the responses will be used," said Councilman Paul Presinzano in a message this week. "I am particularly concerned that our business community and seniors may not have a full opportunity to weigh in."

Mayor Jabbour noted that the city has placed two computers at the Senior Center/Multi-Service Center specifically for residents to fill out the survey.

Survey Information

Of the survey, Jabbour said, "This input ensures that the proposed budget reflects the priorities and values of the community. The introductory budget will be presented to the City Council in April, where council members will review, amend, and ultimately adopt the final municipal budget."

Residents can complete the survey online here until Sunday, March 22, at 11:59 p.m.

Watch the city's next council meeting on Facebook here.