Nonessential city workers in Paterson hold been told to stay home as a budget showdown continues between the mayor and city council.
Tuesday's shutdown affects school crossing guards,street-cleaning, after-school recreation programs and senior citizen services. approximately 453 police officers, and firefighters,municipal court and sanitation employees are working.
Mayor Joey Torres says the city will save $225000 in pay by shutting down for the day.
A special meeting to discuss the mayor's proposed budget is scheduled for Tuesday night. A rejected budget included a tax increase of 6.1 percent.
Source: wnyc.org