Atlantic City's City Hall will close for nearly a month starting in April due to financial issues Mayor Don Guardian said were beyond the city's control.
Guardian announced Monday afternoon City Hall will close April 8 at 4:30 p.m., and that city workers would not be paid their regular salary during that time.
“The City is in discussions with the State to avoid and forestall what may be an imminent financial predicament,” Guardian said in a statement. “Unfortunately, due to financial circumstances beyond our control, we will be forced to close City Hall starting on Friday, April 8th, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. We anticipate this closure to remain in effect until at least Monday, May 2nd, 2016. May 2nd is when we expect to receive our next payments of quarterly taxes.”
The city's tax base has contracted since four of its 12 casinos closed. State lawmakers are debating a financial takeover plan Guardian says goes too far in wresting control from city officials.
Guardian says the city is working to ensure that all essential services, including police, fire, revenue collections and some divisions in public works, will be provided from April 8 through May 2.
“Both essential and non-essential service employees will not be paid their salary during this closure period,” Guardian said. “Please note, however, health benefits will remain active for all Atlantic City employees during this period. We are greatly aware of the potential impact this will have on all of our employees. We are making every effort to find solutions prior to the April 8th deadline. As more information becomes available, we will make sure to share it as soon as possible.”
