Camden budget assumes $10.5 million in state funds

The Camden City Council introduced a new municipal budget this afternoon that depends on a $10.5 million infusion of state aid that the Corzine administration has not yet agreed to pay.

The $178.3 million budget, which covers the fiscal year from last July to June 30, was reintroduced yesterday because the original spending plan offered last August was short by about $14 million. Discrepancies were corrected over the last few months by state financial officials who analyzed the city's books.

The city hopes that by the time council members vote on the budget on June 17, the state will add $10.5 million to the $125 million in aid it already provides.

Council President Angel Fuentes said part of Camden's revenue shortfall is due to the high number of nonprofits in the city, which are not taxed. But activist Kelly Francis disagreed, saying the council simply approves too many 30-year tax abatements for residential developments.

"You're giving out tax breaks like lollipops in the city of Camden," he said.