Some lose a little aid, then get back more

Joe Albright
Jersey Journal
Thursday, July 17, 2008

Hudson County's 12 towns suffered a $8,832,854 loss in state aid to municipalities in the just-adopted budget. But that's not as bad as it sounds.

Five Hudson municipalities will pick up extra state funding because of four letters: REAP.

Guttenberg, North Bergen, Union City, Weehawken and West New York receive Regional Efficiency Aid Program money for consolidating their fire services.

However, Jersey City suffered the biggest aid reduction in the county: $3,733,769, from $83,087,524 to $79,353,755.

East Newark had the lowest aid cut: $102,210, from $806,515 to $704,305; but gained $250,000 in another aid program on July 11.

Guttenberg took a $146,120 reduction from $1,079,887 to $933,167, but gained $280,960 under REAP.

North Bergen slipped $616,389, from $9,503,484 to $8,837,095, but gained $1,292,751 under REAP.

Union City lost $1,155,692, moving down the municipal aid ladder from $19,215,495 to $18,059,803, but gained $1,692,194 from REAP.

Weehawken dropped $237,891, from $3,167,928 to $2,930,037, but reaped $387,615 for consolidating fire services.

West New York sank $643,867, from $8,787,355 to $8,143,488, but picked up $1,135,968 in REAP money.

Aid to Bayonne was down $791,496, from $11,650,691 to $10,859,195; and Harrison went down $368,390, from $10,199,594 to $9,831,204.

Hoboken, lost $908,843, from $16,031,088 to $15,122,245; while aid to Kearny dropped $791,153, from $22,414,065 to $21,622, 912.

The Corzine administration contends $560 million in increased school aid will help offset the $162 million municipal aid reduction, but the State League of Municipalities says residents can look forward to higher property taxes, public employee layoffs, or reduced services. Take your pick.