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Jersey City Council reviews $4M budget for ‘profoundly understaffed’ law dept.

Source: Hudson County View · Jul 22, 2026, 10:48 AM

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Jersey City Council reviews $4M budget for ‘profoundly understaffed’ law dept. news image

Jersey City Council held a budget hearing for the Law Department's proposed $4 million allocation as part of the city's $886.5 million preliminary budget that includes a 15.5 percent property tax increase.

Corporation Counsel Sarah Levine highlighted staffing challenges, noting the department operates with only 15 attorneys.

The hearing underscored concerns about resource constraints within the municipal legal department as the council reviews departmental spending priorities.

Key points

  • Jersey City's Law Department received $4,059,803 in the preliminary budget
  • The department operates with only 15 attorneys, described as 'profoundly understaffed'
  • The overall city budget proposal totals $886.5 million with a 15.5% tax increase
  • The Jersey City Council held a formal budget hearing to review law department funding
  • Staffing shortages are a key concern for the legal department's operations

FAQ

How much was allocated to Jersey City's Law Department?
The Law Department received $4,059,803 in the preliminary $886.5 million city budget for fiscal year 2024.
Why is the Law Department described as understaffed?
Corporation Counsel Sarah Levine noted the department has only 15 attorneys to handle the legal needs of the entire municipality, indicating inadequate staffing levels for current demands.
What is the overall impact on Jersey City taxpayers?
The preliminary budget includes a 15.5 percent property tax increase, which would affect all property owners in the city.

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