ZIMMER CALLS ON FISCAL MONITOR TO IMPLEMENT FURLOUGHS NOW TO CUT BUDGET SPENDING AND PROVIDE TAX RELIEF
Councilwoman Dawn Zimmer today called on Fiscal Monitor Judy Tripodi to implement a furlough program to cut spending now so that we can reduce the tax burden on Hoboken residents. Zimmer seized on an emergency rule just adopted by the State's Civil Service Commission that gives state and local governments the power to furlough workers as a tool that can be used in these difficult budget times.
Zimmer said, "Personnel Costs account for 4-out-of 5 dollars spent by City government. Any effort to make significant budget cuts must address this hard fact. While furloughs do require sacrifice from city workers, that sacrifice is needed." Zimmer added, "Cost savings today will mean lower taxes in the future."
Zimmer said that the Fiscal Monitor should consider adopting Governor Corzine's plan of one furlough day a month effective immediately for all employees except when public safety would be put at risk.
The Civil Service Commission granted this emergency authority for the next 60 days and is now beginning to work on a rule that would extend the authority until June 30, 2010.
