Ask City Council to Open a Financial Investigation

Jersey City is facing a major fiscal crisis.

If residents want a formal City Council investigation into how this happened, the next step is simple: a Council member has to sponsor a resolution creating that committee.

As Jersey City Times argued in its editorial, “It’s Time For a Formal Investigation into Jersey City’s Ruined Finances,” the Council has the power to act. This page explains the process and gives you a ready-to-send email you can send to Council.

What needs to happen

1. A Council member has to sponsor the resolution.

The investigation will not move forward unless a Council member agrees to introduce a resolution creating the committee.

2. It has to be placed on a future Council agenda.

If it does not appear on an agenda, the Council cannot vote on it.

3. The Council has to vote yes.

If a majority votes yes, the committee is created.

4. Then the investigation begins.

The Council President appoints the members, designates the chair, and the committee can begin its work.

What you can do

Email Council and ask them to:

  • Sponsor the resolution

  • Place it on a future council agenda

  • Support a formal investigation into the city’s finances

Click below to open a prewritten email in your own email app, or copy paste from the below.

Email Council Now

TO: DRidley@jcnj.org, jbrooks@jcnj.org, TZuppa@jcnj.org, JEphros@jcnj.org, ELittle@jcnj.org, FEGilmore@jcnj.org, MSingh@jcnj.org, rlavarro@jcnj.org

Subject: Please Sponsor Resolution for Special Investigatory Committee on Jersey City Finances

Council Members,

Please sponsor the resolution below establishing a Special Investigatory Committee on Jersey City’s finances and take the steps needed to place it on a future Council agenda.

Jersey City residents deserve a formal investigation into the current fiscal crisis, including budget practices, one-time revenues, borrowing, internal controls, financial reporting, and related decision-making.

Thank you.

RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL INVESTIGATORY COMMITTEE ON JERSEY CITY FINANCES

WHEREAS, the Municipal Council has a duty to oversee the City’s finances, appropriations, and fiscal controls; and

WHEREAS, Jersey City is facing a severe fiscal crisis, including a reported fiscal gap of approximately $250 million; and

WHEREAS, serious public questions have been raised about prior budget practices, one-time revenues, borrowing, internal controls, financial reporting, and related decision-making; and

WHEREAS, the Council finds that a formal investigation is warranted to determine how the City reached its current fiscal condition and what reforms are needed to protect taxpayers going forward;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Municipal Council of the City of Jersey City that:

1. Creation of Committee.

There is hereby created a Special Investigatory Committee on Jersey City Finances.

2. Membership.

The Committee shall consist of five members of the Municipal Council, appointed by the Council President, who shall also designate the Chair.

3. Scope of Investigation.

The Committee is authorized to investigate the causes of the City’s present fiscal condition, including but not limited to:

a. budget development and adoption;

b. under-appropriation and expenditure assumptions;

c. tax levy decisions;

d. use of one-time or non-recurring revenues;

e. special emergency notes or other borrowing used to address operating shortfalls;

f. internal controls, accounting practices, financial reporting, and audit responses;

g. communications to the Council, the public, auditors, rating agencies, and State entities about the City’s finances; and

h. the role of current and former City officials, employees, consultants, professionals, and advisors.

4. Authority of the Committee.

The Committee is authorized to conduct an investigation and to exercise such powers of inquiry as the Municipal Council may lawfully delegate under applicable law, including holding hearings, requesting and reviewing records, interviewing witnesses, and pursuing further investigatory steps as permitted by law.

5. Cooperation.

All City departments, officers, boards, agencies, and employees are requested and expected, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to cooperate with the Committee and promptly provide requested records and information.

6. Reporting Deadline.

The Committee shall provide the Council with an initial public update within 45 days and a written report with findings and recommendations within 120 days, unless extended by further resolution.

7. Effective Date.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.