Camden in for big tax hike

The state’s Local Finance Board has approved a 23 percent hike in municipal taxes for Camden. The board was involved because it exceeded the 2 percent cap for hikes. That means some police officers and firefighters can be rehired but it is unclear how many. Earlier, the city’s financial situation — it had to close a $26.5 million budget gap — and the unions’ refusal to compromise on their contracts, resulted in 168 officers and 67 firefighters being let go, which left 200 cops in Camden. The city hasn’t raised taxes in 10 years and has been dependent on the state for its school system and other economic support.



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10 Responses to Camden in for big tax hike

  1. tbworried says:

    10 years without a tax increase is amazing.
    The 23% increase is rather large, especially in the dump that is Camden.
    It really should have been phased in over at least a few years. It can’t imagine the impact it will have on businesses and home owners.

    But does this really address the underlining problems in the cost of personel?

    They have to address the long term costs of fire and police. If they hire back those that were just laid off do they start back at the pay and perks of when they left?

    The union made no concessions. Under what terms would additional personel be put on the payroll? Is this just a one or two year delay in ending up in the same place?

  2. says:

    Camden receives $115.6 million in state aid towards a total budget of $138 million. State aid is the only form of property tax relief that we all get ,with Camden only taxing it’s residents under 20% of it’s entire budget no wonder there is no money left for towns that sent in the bulk of the money To trenton !

  3. Rico the Politicians says:

    Nobody pays taxes down there anyway. They get free coats, back-packs, bicycles, foodstamps, heating assistance, section 8, toys for tots.

    Who would go to work and pay taxes when the gravy train arrives daily?

  4. Javagold says:

    23% (and no increase for 10 years) of a $1000 = is only $230 !!!!

    10% (plus loss of rebate checks) of $7500 = $750

    yet i dont see anyone in the press crying about the poor suburban taxpayer……i am sick of these lowlife cities …..knock them all down

  5. Dave C says:

    The reason for the budget shortfall is because they spent last year’s ” distressed city” check that Johnny Boy sent them right before he left office.Chris Christie told them when he took office – “Don’t spend it…you’re not getting it next year.I don’t feel a little bit bad about what’s going on there.

  6. alsj says:

    Does it frighten anyone, especially in Camden Co., that the welfare state of Camden is running out of other peoples money?

  7. Bill says:

    I think it’s time to tell Camden to go after it’s dead beat slum loads, why should we pay for Camden, Trenton, Jersey City, Patterson etc etc

  8. Rico the Politicians says:

    Egypt we feel your pain. We in NJ have had criminal leadership at the helm for 32 years.


  9. Mary Cortes says:

    For you ignorant people, you must walk in the shoes of someone you bash before bashing. The people of Camden have been so humiliated and humbled it’s not funny. Workers must have good cars to go to the suburbs for work or take busses, sometimes without lunch. Single-parent families must get financial help–all big businesses abandoned the city decades ago. A large popluation of elders collect $714 monthly, and are bamboozled into selling their free-from-mortgage homes in order to qualify for senior housing–not told that by selling–they do not qualify. Majority of police and firemen were given Camden addresses to put into their applications in order to qualify for the jobs. All undesirable mental and medical relatives are thrown to Camden–deposited early mornings from outside towns. Still-standing houses are not being sold to the public–but allowed to rot–and no revenue enters the city. Pennies to No tax is collected from Million-dollar businesses like The Victor, Susquehanna Center, Port Authority, Cooper Hospital, Rutgers, federal buildings renting in Camden—YET the Mayor was told to tax 23% on limited-incomed people–WHY? Genocide. Gentrification. “Throw them to the burbs. Take the town for its waterfront property and strategic location. EDS and MEDS the town over their dead bodies!”
    The Soprano State faces the Minority City-State. Bob Ingle got the political part right, but the insider part is yet to be told.
    We Camden residents and businesses are planning a MASSIVE protest against the mayor’s 23% property tax increase. Tuesday the 8th, City Council Chambers, 5:00p.m. Most of the participants will be locked out of City Hall into the streets for lack of space. Be there by 4:00 with posters. War????

  10. Bill says:

    Reply to Mary
    Over the years in Camden, all I have seen, and many others are the people of Camden, Newark, Irvington, Patterson, Jersey City, Trenton etc living off all the goodies they couldget. How many generations are welfare recipientants. There are many 3 generation families on welfare of some type. I don’t see many of these people trying to help themselves. Now what about the SLUMLOADS who collect the rent but don’t upgrade the buildings or pay property taxes. When is the city going to go after them? Peolpe forget, GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES.