Paterson City Council Approves $470K UEZ Administrative Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2025

PATERSON, NJ - The Paterson City Council has approved a resolution to request $470,546 from the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Authority (UEZA) for the Urban Enterprise Zone's (UEZ) administrative budget for Fiscal Year 2025, spanning from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. This budget is essential for supporting the administrative functions that manage and promote the UEZ initiatives in Paterson, officials said.

The UEZ is a designated area within the city where businesses can receive tax incentives and financial assistance to encourage economic development and job creation. These zones aim to revitalize urban communities by making it more attractive for businesses to invest and operate.

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The proposed budget, recommended by Urban Enterprise Zone Director Dipto Roy and Director of the Department of Economic Development Tiffany Harris-Delaney, includes detailed allocations:

• Personnel Costs: $250,000 will cover salaries and wages for essential roles, including a coordinator, clerks, and a contract compliance representative.
• Fringe Benefits: $127,896 will provide for benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and other employee perks.
• Operating Costs: $10,800 will be allocated for travel, advertising, and conference attendance to promote the UEZ and attract businesses to the area.
• Equipment Purchases: $62,000 is earmarked for essential office equipment, including computers, printers, and office furniture.
• Other Services: $19,850 will cover expenses for office supplies, publications, and other operational needs crucial for the UEZ's daily functions.

The council emphasized that the budget would help employ more staff to better support the UEZ's activities and ensure that the program meets its objectives.

Council members discussed the importance of these funds and the benefits they would bring to the community. Councilwoman Ruby Cotton expressed her support, noting that Governor Murphy's reinstatement of the UEZ program after it was cut by the previous administration under Governor Christie has been a significant boom for Paterson.

“This program helps major corridors like Broadway, 10th Avenue, and 11th Avenue,” Cotton said. “It's great to see the UEZ back, helping small businesses and revitalizing our community.”

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The approved budget will not only support the day-to-day operations of the UEZ but also aid in extending its boundaries to incorporate additional areas throughout the city. This expansion aims to create more opportunities for businesses and residents alike.

First Ward Councilman Michael Jackson emphasized the importance of ensuring that the UEZ staff and resources are used exclusively for the program's objectives and not diverted to other city functions.

"I take issue every time someone mentions that it's not coming from the taxpayers and implies it's just a frivolous vote,” Jackson said. “We want to make sure that taxpayers are receiving the services they are paying for, regardless of where the money comes from. Just because the funds don't necessarily come directly from taxpayers doesn't mean that residents shouldn't receive the services they are entitled to. This administration has received more funds than any other in the last 20 years, and we want to ensure that these services are being properly delivered to the community."

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