Today Bayonne is a thriving small city with a stable tax base, strong economic growth and a bright future. There’s no question that the Bayonne Veolia Partnership Agreement helped make this possible.
Prior to the Agreement:
- Severe annual budget crisis since 2000
- Department of Environmental Protection blocking all new construction
- 40% of Bayonne’s water lost to decaying infrastructure
- Bayonne’s low bond rating meant no way out
The Partnership Agreement gave the City:
- $150 million that closed the annual budget gap
- an end to threats of lay-offs and major tax increases
- a commitment of another $157 million for water system improvements
- opened the door to MOTBY and economic growth
- safe, clean, dependable drinking water
The Agreement also included a schedule of rate increases that are consistent with costs ratepayers pay in other cities.
From 2014 through 2018, wastewater treatment costs increased nationally by an average of 5.6%. In Bayonne, the increase was much lower at 5.0%.
Prior to the 2012 Agreement, the city’s now defunct Municipal Utilities Authority fees increased by 90.4% over the previous ten years.
Now that you know the facts about this historic Agreement, we hope you agree--Bayonne and Veolia are Proud Partners for a Great City’s Future!
