Paterson council approves $17.67 million in bills; administration requests $54.53 million temporary appropriation

The Paterson City Council on June 12 approved payment of $17,668,570.38 in bills and payroll and discussed a separate temporary appropriation to cover city spending into July while the municipal budget is finalized.

Madam Clerk read that the total payment on the agenda was $17,668,570.38, of which $11,326,743.01 was payroll. The motion to approve payment of bills was moved by Councilman Mims, seconded by a colleague, and carried in a roll call vote of 6 in favor, 3 absent; Councilman Velez noted support for the youth presenters before casting his vote.

Separately, administration asked the council to consider a temporary appropriation of $54,527,765 to fund city operations for June and July while officials await state aid figures and finalize the full budget. The administration said the temporary appropriation reflects a planning increase of 2 percent for the interim period.

Councilman Jackson asked for complete budget documentation and line‑by‑line information, telling administration he wanted the entire budget file electronically as soon as possible for review. Other council members said they intend to seek cuts and review details before final adoption.

Council President said the temporary appropriation was necessary because the council voted against a proposed 5.6 percent tax increase at the introduced budget stage and that officials must now wait for state aid figures before finalizing the tax rate. Items related to the temporary appropriation were scheduled as regular business for future votes.