Paterson, NJ Tuesday August 11 , 2026 City Council Special & Workshop Meeting

The City of Paterson, NJ City Council held a Special & Workshop Meeting on August 11, 2026, focusing extensively on budgetary and procurement matters. Key procurement discussions included the authorization of contract awards for police off-duty services, emergency vehicles, and the solicitation of bids for 12 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, with questions raised about the disposition of existing motorcycles. The council reviewed multiple contract renewals and amendments related to health and human services, including Ryan White program service providers. Capital improvement projects funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars, such as library step and wall repairs and a self-service library kiosk, were discussed with requests for before-and-after documentation. The Department of Public Works presented on road resurfacing contracts for the first ward, detailing specific streets to be addressed. The council also deliberated on the upcoming bulk waste pickup contract, noting challenges with service capacity and contract bidding. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the introduction and detailed presentation of the 2026 municipal budget, highlighting a $76.2 million transitional aid award from the state, a mandated 3.5% property tax increase, and funding allocations for staffing, public safety, and essential city services. The budget discussion included concerns about rising health insurance costs, pension obligations, and the need for improved revenue collection, including sewer connection fees and tax abatements. The council voted to adopt the payment of bills totaling over $74 million and moved forward with the budget introduction. Public safety enhancements were addressed with the approval of measures to employ Class Two police officers. The meeting also featured public commentary on city cleanliness, infrastructure challenges, and community development issues. Several resolutions honoring community members and procedural items were approved. The meeting concluded with condolences for community losses and announcements of upcoming events.